Coin of the Procurator Coponius (under Augustus) c. 6 - 9

Editor: This artifact is a coin, issued by the Roman procurator Coponius under Augustus. The material and small scale of this coin is very striking. What can you tell us about this piece? Curator: Well, its value lies not in aesthetics but in its historical context and material production. Consider the social structures needed to mine, refine, and mint this coin. Editor: It's interesting to think about the labor behind something so small. Curator: Exactly! This coin wasn't just money; it was a product of Roman power, a tool for control and a tangible representation of their economy. It raises questions about value itself. Editor: It's fascinating how much history is embedded in such a small object. I'll never look at money the same way. Curator: Indeed. By looking at its creation, we understand Roman society and how it functioned.