Serrate Denarius of Ti. Claudius Ti.f. Ap.n. Nero, Rome c. 79 BCE

Editor: This is a serrate denarius made by Ti. Claudius Nero. It's a small silver coin with what looks like a portrait on one side. What strikes me is how it connects ancient power to everyday transactions. What historical narratives do you see embedded in this piece? Curator: The denarius is more than just currency; it's a potent symbol of Roman authority. The figure on the obverse often represents a deity or a personification of Roman virtue, while the reverse could depict scenes of conquest or prosperity. Consider how this coin circulated – what stories did it tell about Roman power as it passed through different hands, across different social classes? Editor: So, it’s like propaganda in your pocket? Curator: Exactly. This small object carries a heavy weight of cultural meaning, reflecting the social hierarchy, political ambitions, and even the religious beliefs of the Roman world. Examining this coin allows us to understand how power was communicated and maintained in antiquity. Editor: That's fascinating. I never thought about a coin carrying so much meaning. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It is always important to think about whose stories are being told, and whose are being left out, even in something as small as a coin.