Coin of Amphipolis under Maximus Caesar c. 3th century

Curator: This is a coin of Amphipolis issued under Maximus Caesar, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's quite deteriorated, isn't it? The textures are compelling though, the worn surface almost obscures the design entirely, giving it a ghostly feel. Curator: Its condition speaks volumes. These coins weren't just currency, they were tools of imperial propaganda, circulated to project power and legitimacy. Editor: I see the barest hint of a portrait, perhaps an idealized representation of Caesar? The relief, what remains of it, suggests a skilled hand. Curator: Precisely! Each coin subtly reinforced Roman authority, shaping public perception and underscoring the empire's pervasive influence. Editor: It’s remarkable how something so small can embody such immense historical weight. Curator: Indeed, it reminds us that even the most mundane objects are steeped in social and political significance. Editor: It's true, the coin's visual simplicity belies the complex story it carries.