Coin of Tomis under Caracalla c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Tomis, minted under Caracalla. It’s quite small, and the portraits are fascinating. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This coin acts as a powerful signifier of Roman imperial power extending into a specific geographic locale, Tomis. It visualizes Caracalla’s claim to authority and prompts us to reflect on the Roman Empire’s construction and maintenance through coinage. The coin’s materiality further complicates the narratives of power. Editor: So, this wasn’t just money. It was also propaganda? Curator: Precisely. The coin functioned within a matrix of power relations. It also begs questions of how local populations negotiated their identities under Roman rule. Editor: That's a completely different way of looking at it! Thanks!