Denarius of L. Procilius, Rome c. 80 BCE

Curator: Here we have a Roman silver coin, a denarius crafted by L. Procilius. The weight is a mere 3.7 grams. Editor: Its aged surface evokes such a sense of history. There's a gravity to its wear; I imagine all the hands it has passed through. Curator: Precisely. The imagery often references contemporary politics and societal values. Editor: Looking at the details of the relief, I'm thinking about the labor involved in the die-making process and the physical act of striking each coin. Curator: We need to consider the power structures at play in that era. The images of gods or rulers promoted certain values. How did this reinforce social hierarchies? Editor: Good point. It prompts one to consider the value of silver as a resource and the hands involved in mining, refining, and distributing it to begin with. Curator: Considering the political and cultural context, what can a small coin tell us about larger societal norms, gender roles, and the distribution of power? Editor: And that is the fascinating thing about these coins, isn't it? It's just humble metal, yet it holds so much. Curator: Indeed. It's more than currency; it's a tangible link to the past.