As of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: Immediately, I’m struck by the material reality of this Roman coin. The patina, the wear, it speaks of a history of labor and exchange. Editor: I see layers of power embedded in this coin. It offers a glimpse into the socio-political narrative of the Roman Empire under Antoninus Pius. Curator: Exactly. The coin, made of bronze, was a key tool in facilitating the imperial economy and reflects trade routes. Editor: The imagery, though eroded, suggests a visual language of authority. Who was deemed worthy of representation, and what does that tell us about Roman values? Curator: The coin's creation involved miners, metalworkers, and engravers—a whole network of labor dedicated to producing these small objects of power. Editor: It's a reminder that even in antiquity, identity and governance were circulated, negotiated, and even contested through these everyday objects. Curator: The coin's physicality tells a story of resource extraction, production processes, and the hands that shaped it, each adding to its cultural value. Editor: It's a potent artifact, a microcosm of a vast empire. Curator: Precisely, it makes you reconsider the power of humble materials. Editor: Absolutely, and to understand the complex narratives they carry.