Coin of the Province of Macedonia issued by Gaius Publilius, Roman Quaestor c. 148

Editor: This is a Roman coin of the Province of Macedonia, issued by Gaius Publilius. Weighing about 12 grams, it's amazing to think about all the hands this little piece of metal must have passed through. What can you tell me about it? Curator: I see a fascinating relic of economic and social history. Consider the labor involved: from mining the metal to striking the coin. Then, think of its purpose: facilitating trade, paying soldiers, and projecting Roman power. Editor: So, the coin itself becomes evidence of a much larger system? Curator: Exactly. It's not just about artistic merit, but the entire process of production and consumption embedded within this small object. It reveals the material conditions of the time. Editor: That's given me a completely different way to think about ancient artifacts. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. Considering materiality, we can unlock layers of understanding about past societies.