Antoninianus of Carinus c. 282 - 284

Curator: Looking at this Antoninianus of Carinus, I'm immediately drawn to the patinated surface. It has such tactile qualities. Editor: Indeed. Its rough texture and the way the light catches the raised surfaces creates an engaging visual experience. But think of it as currency, as a symbol of power, its production, and circulation. Curator: Precisely! The coin's materiality reflects its function—a tangible representation of imperial authority and economic control. Editor: On the one side, you see the portrait, the ruler's image embodying Roman imperial power. The other side depicts figures, perhaps deities, reinforcing a certain ideology. Curator: Yes, and the coin’s composition, its weight and metallic content, speak to the resources available and the labor invested in its creation. Editor: Examining the coin, beyond its immediate visual appeal, reveals the power dynamics embedded within its materiality. Curator: Absolutely, seeing it as more than just a beautiful object. Editor: A truly useful and interesting perspective, wouldn’t you agree?