Antoninianus of Trajan Decius c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Trajan Decius, a silver coin minted during his brief reign. What strikes you first about this small artifact? Editor: The worn surface speaks volumes. You can almost feel the history etched into its very form, the labor involved in minting each one. Curator: Indeed. Decius ruled during a tumultuous period, marked by military conflicts and the devastating Plague of Cyprian. This coin becomes a material witness to those crises. The imagery itself - the emperor's profile and what appears to be an eagle - are symbols of power, but somewhat deflated by the coin's eroded state. Editor: The coin's weight, just over 3 grams, also offers a stark reminder of its intended purpose, of circulation of exchange, and also, perhaps, of imperial propaganda. Curator: Absolutely. These objects offer a tangible link to the socio-political anxieties of the 3rd century. Editor: Considering this object in terms of labour and production really does challenge our understanding of ancient economies. Curator: It’s a potent reminder that even small objects can illuminate vast historical narratives.