Coinof Kodrula under Elagabalus c. 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Kodrula under Elagabalus, a small bronze piece now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn texture speaks to its age. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The coin's bronze composition speaks volumes. It wasn't gold, reflecting Kodrula's socio-economic status under Elagabalus. Who controlled the mint and why bronze for this region? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't considered the economic implications of the material itself. Curator: The coin's wear and tear also tell a story. Imagine the hands it passed through, the transactions it facilitated, the social exchanges it witnessed. Editor: So, it's not just an artifact, but a record of daily life. The materiality really grounds its historical context. Curator: Precisely! Its value lies not just in its imagery but in the labor, trade, and systems of power it represents. Editor: Fascinating. I'll definitely look at ancient art with a new perspective now.