Coin of Byblos under Diadumenian c. 217 - 218

Curator: Here we have a coin of Byblos under Diadumenian, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredible to see how the verdigris patina softens the details, creating a textured, almost dreamlike surface. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these were more than just currency; they were powerful tools of imperial propaganda, circulating images of the emperor throughout the realm. Editor: The way the low relief plays with light and shadow—it's a subtle yet effective means of conveying authority. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery would have reinforced the Roman presence and Diadumenian's legitimacy in a place like Byblos, which had its own rich history and cultural identity. Editor: Thinking about it, the sheer number of these coins that must have existed, each a tiny monument moving through history, is quite something. Curator: Precisely. They serve as a tangible link to a complex historical period. Editor: A truly fascinating example of artistry serving political ambition.