Drachm of Vologeses V of Parthia c. 3th century

Curator: This is a Drachm of Vologeses V of Parthia, a silver coin currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums, weighing just over three grams. Editor: There's an undeniable austerity to it; the coin's worn surface and simplistic design evoke a sense of ancient power and resilience. Curator: As currency, this coin played a critical role in shaping the social and economic landscape of its time. The image of Vologeses V is a study of power, speaking to the political narratives crafted through such objects. Editor: Absolutely. The coin's materiality, its weight and size, also impacted its circulation. And its very existence challenges notions of empire and identity through symbolic representation. Curator: Indeed, and by studying its iconography we gain insights into Parthian society's values, beliefs, and the visual strategies employed by its rulers. Editor: For me, it speaks to the enduring power of even the smallest object to tell a story of cultural exchange and the human experience. Curator: Precisely, a tiny object that nonetheless allows us to grasp a far broader historical and social reality.