Denarius of Caracalla c. 208

Editor: Here we have a silver denarius of Caracalla. It's quite small, and seeing how worn it is, I wonder what its story is. How do you interpret its significance? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were imperial propaganda. Caracalla's image, replicated and circulated, asserted his power and legitimacy across the Roman Empire. Editor: So, it’s more than just money; it's a political statement. Curator: Precisely. The imagery, often depicting military strength or divine associations, shaped public perception of the emperor and reinforced Roman ideals. Editor: That makes me think about how images still play that role in our society, just on a different scale. Curator: Exactly. Understanding this coin helps us see how art has always been intertwined with power.