Denarius of L. Caesius, Rome c. 112

Editor: Here we have the Denarius of L. Caesius, from Rome. What strikes me is how this tiny coin, seemingly insignificant, was actually a powerful form of communication in its time. How do you see it functioning within Roman society? Curator: Precisely. Coins weren't just currency; they were carefully curated propaganda. Consider the imagery: How does it reflect the political aspirations and social values that the moneyer, L. Caesius, wanted to project? Editor: So, even something as commonplace as money could shape public perception? Curator: Absolutely. The imagery, disseminated widely through commerce, reinforced certain narratives and power structures. What do you think the presence of deities or allegorical figures signifies? Editor: It's like a constant visual reminder of the established order. I hadn't thought about money in that way before. Curator: The power of art lies in its ability to be both functional and symbolic.