AE Commodus 

Curator: Immediately, I’m struck by the contrast in texture across the coin’s surfaces; the patinated, aged metal feels rough, yet the stamped figures maintain a crisp legibility. Editor: Indeed. This is a bronze coin, "AE Commodus", depicting Emperor Commodus. Its existence opens a discussion about political power, currency as propaganda, and the socio-economic structures of ancient Rome. Curator: Absolutely. Commodus was known for his self-aggrandizing tendencies. The act of placing his image on currency aimed to solidify his authority and manipulate public perception. Editor: Semiotically, the coin speaks volumes. Commodus’s visage, combined with depictions of deities or allegorical figures, would have conveyed specific messages about his reign and divine favor. Curator: The imagery reinforced societal hierarchies and power dynamics. It's a tangible artifact reflecting the inequalities of the time. Editor: It is remarkable how such a small object can offer us this entry into the complexities of a long-gone empire. Curator: Examining it through intersectional lenses, we glimpse into the construction of identity, power, and representation. Editor: And through material and form, an opportunity to decode its message.