Dupondius? of Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a "Dupondius? of Commodus" from the Harvard Art Museums. It is worn, but still appears quite weighty. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about labor and power. Look at the material: bronze, readily available, mass-produced. It was a tool of control, disseminating Commodus's image and solidifying his authority through trade and consumption. Editor: So its artistic value comes from its function? Curator: Precisely. The artistry is in its design as a tool for economic and political messaging, a challenge to our traditional idea of art. Editor: That’s a fresh perspective! I see how the material reflects its societal role. Curator: Indeed. Examining its production exposes the Roman empire's intricate mechanisms of power and control.