As of Julia Domna

Curator: This bronze coin, titled "As of Julia Domna," offers a glimpse into Roman imperial history. Editor: It's striking how the material has aged; the surface is corroded, which hints at its journey through time. Curator: Indeed, the wear is significant. We can see the image of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. The coin's materiality speaks to its function in Roman society. Editor: And its survival speaks volumes about the cultural significance Rome placed on its imperial image. Currency as propaganda, if you will. Curator: Precisely. It's a reminder of how power and image were circulated. The labor of mining and minting, and its eventual use, all embedded in this coin. Editor: Ultimately, it reveals how institutions like the Roman Empire shaped everyday life and visual culture. Curator: It has transformed my perception of how coins function. Editor: Mine as well.