Coin of Deultum under the Emperor Maximinus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Roman coin of Deultum from the time of Emperor Maximinus. The wear of the metal makes it feel so tangible. What insights does the production process offer us? Curator: The coin's materiality speaks volumes. Bronze, a common metal, indicates a practical, wide-reaching purpose. How does the repetitive striking of the image, the emperor on one side, a symbol on the other, influence its meaning? Editor: It feels like a method of standardizing and disseminating power through materials. Curator: Precisely. This mass production connects the emperor's image directly to trade and governance, shaping the daily lives of the Roman people. Editor: I never considered the implications of "mass production" in ancient Rome. Curator: Considering that the coin’s production and its function intersect, its value extends beyond currency to include its role as a tool for social cohesion. Editor: That's fascinating! I’ll definitely be considering materiality in a new light moving forward.