Denarius of L. Rubrius Dossenus, Rome 87 BCE-86 BCE

Curator: This is a Denarius, made by L. Rubrius Dossenus in Rome. The small silver coin weighs less than 4 grams. Editor: It’s incredible to think of the amount of labor involved to create something so small. The marks on the coin tell a story of its circulation as a commodity. Curator: Indeed. Its materiality speaks to its purpose—currency, a medium of exchange, power—and informs the formal composition. Look at the delicate relief of the portrait. Editor: Yes, the structural integrity remains intact despite its age and wear, and the composition is relatively balanced. Curator: And the imagery! On one side, a figure in profile, on the other, what appears to be a chariot. These choices speak volumes about Roman values and priorities. Editor: Right, as the coin passed through countless hands, it facilitated not only monetary exchange but also the dissemination of potent political and cultural symbols. Curator: This small object is a conduit to the past. Editor: Exactly, revealing economic and aesthetic values of its time.