Denarius of L.? Marcius Philippus, Rome c. 56 BCE

Editor: This is a Denarius of L.? Marcius Philippus from Rome, a small silver coin. Looking at it, I’m struck by the idea of holding a piece of history in my hand, something used in everyday transactions. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: This coin highlights the intersection of power, labor, and artistic production. The silver itself was mined, processed, and stamped under specific social conditions. Who controlled the mines? How did that influence the imagery and messages conveyed on the coin? Think about that. Editor: That makes me consider the economic and social structures that made its creation possible, and who benefited. Curator: Exactly. It’s not just a pretty face; it represents a whole system of material exchange and the social relations embedded within it. This changes how we perceive value, doesn't it?