Coin of Cremna under Severus c. 3th century

Curator: Let's examine this coin of Cremna under Severus Alexander, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. The wear and tear speak volumes. What strikes you first? Editor: Well, the coin's aged look is fascinating. What does the production process tell us about the social context in which it was made? Curator: Excellent question. The coin was a product of a specific material economy and labor system. The act of minting wasn't just about creating currency; it was about projecting power and controlling resources. Editor: So, analyzing the materiality offers a more nuanced understanding of the coin’s significance? Curator: Precisely. The material composition and the skill involved highlight the relationship between the Roman empire and its provinces, impacting trade and the symbolic value attached to the coin itself. Editor: That’s a fresh perspective; thanks! Curator: My pleasure.