Denarius of Julius Caesar, Hispania 46 BCE-45 BCE

Curator: This is a silver denarius, issued by Julius Caesar in Hispania. The weight is around 3.63 grams. Editor: It looks worn, as expected, but the designs are still quite clear. The scale, of course, is intimate, but there's a surprising boldness in the composition. Curator: Absolutely. Consider that Caesar was consciously shaping his image, using coinage to project power and legitimacy during a period of intense political upheaval. The imagery wasn't accidental. Editor: Exactly. Note the careful arrangement of the objects on the coin's reverse— the axe, the sacrificial implements. The composition is deliberately balanced, lending a sense of authority to the image. Curator: The "CAESAR" inscription is also a blatant act of self-promotion. It's all about solidifying his brand, so to speak, connecting his name to Roman identity. Editor: Yes, and through its intrinsic design, the coin becomes a powerful symbol of Caesar’s authority. Curator: Indeed, both design and context offer different ways to appreciate this piece. Editor: It's quite thought-provoking when you consider its age and historical significance.