Coin of Thessalonike under Julia Maesa c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: Here we have a coin of Thessalonike, attributed to Julia Maesa, weighing 6.5 grams. The wear gives it such a tactile sense of history. Editor: The patina definitely speaks of age, but what stories could this little piece tell us about gender and power in the Roman Empire? Curator: Well, the very existence of a coin bearing Julia Maesa's image speaks volumes about her influence and the patriarchal structures she navigated. Consider the materials used: bronze, a common metal, but here it functions as a medium to disseminate her image and legitimize her family's rule. Editor: Precisely! It's not just about the intrinsic value of the metal, but the symbolic value embedded within it. How this object would be circulated and handled would also have to be considered. Curator: The minting process itself is also telling. The dies, the labor involved, the distribution networks… it all underscores the scale and mechanics of imperial power. Editor: I'm thinking about how Maesa successfully maneuvered in a male dominated sphere. An object like this invites us to explore those power dynamics further. Curator: I agree; it is amazing that a small coin opens up such a wealth of historical discussion. Editor: I find myself pondering how many hands this coin passed through, and the stories it could tell.