Coin of Perge under Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: This is a coin from Perge under Antoninus Pius, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, worn, but still bears a trace of its original design. What can you tell us about its significance? Curator: This coin represents a nexus of power, trade, and cultural exchange. Its very existence speaks to the intersectional identities of the people of Perge, then part of the Roman Empire. How did Roman rule affect their local customs, beliefs, and economic practices? Editor: That’s a fascinating way to view a coin. It's more than just currency. Curator: Precisely. Coins are not just economic tools. They are artifacts that embody social structures, gender roles, and political ideologies of their time. We have to look beyond face value. Editor: I see. Thanks! It gives a fresh perspective on how to interpret seemingly simple objects.