Coin of Byzantion under Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin from Byzantion under Commodus, a small but weighty artifact at just over 15 grams. One side features a profile, the other... is that a trident? What can you tell me about this coin's story? Curator: This coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the political and economic landscape of the Roman Empire. Coins weren’t just currency, they were propaganda tools. Images of Commodus reinforced his power, while symbols like the trident referenced the city's maritime importance and allegiance to a broader Roman identity. How do you think its circulation affected public perception? Editor: It's interesting to think of something so small carrying so much political weight. I'll definitely look at coins differently now. Curator: Indeed. It makes one consider the long lives that objects have, and the stories they tell about the societies that created them.