Denarius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Antoninus Pius. Given the wear, it’s amazing to think of all the hands this little coin must have passed through. How do we even begin to understand its significance? Curator: Well, let's think about the process. It was struck, not sculpted, mass-produced to facilitate trade and project power. This coin isn't just a portrait; it's a statement of Roman authority, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely, and it speaks volumes about labor, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely. Consider the miners extracting the silver, the artisans crafting the dies, and the infrastructure needed to circulate it. It embodies Roman economic and social structures. Editor: So, it's not just art, but a record of production. That’s fascinating! Curator: Exactly. It makes you consider the value of the coin as a means of exchange versus a political message. Editor: Thanks, I'll never look at a coin the same way again.