Coin of Tomis under Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Tomis under Commodus. It’s small, metallic, and feels very ancient. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin is a window into the cult of personality surrounding Commodus. Consider the portrait on one side: What image is being projected, and how might that reflect on his rule and the Roman empire's collective identity at the time? Editor: It's interesting to think of a coin as a form of propaganda. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It’s also a reminder of how even the smallest objects can carry layers of meaning and cultural memory.