Antoninianus of Philip I c. 244 - 249

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus coin of Philip I, the Arab. I find it fascinating how such a small object can tell a story, but what narrative do you think it speaks to? Curator: Well, consider Philip's reign. He wasn't Roman by birth, but Arab. This coin becomes a symbol of power, of course, but also of cultural intersection, doesn't it? Think of the diverse Roman Empire and the way figures like Philip challenged Roman notions of identity. Editor: So, it’s about more than just commerce; it's about identity and challenging Roman norms? Curator: Exactly. And consider the images – the emperor on one side, a deity on the other. What power structures and social hierarchies are being represented? Editor: This makes me think about how power is communicated through art, even on something as small as a coin. Curator: Indeed, and how that power can be disrupted. Perhaps this helps us consider the coin as a starting point for conversations about representation and cultural identity.