Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Gallienus, a Roman coin. Looking at its worn surface, I can't help but think about all the hands it must have passed through. What significance do you see in this everyday object? Curator: The coin, beyond its face value, is a potent marker of Roman imperial power and its distribution. Consider the labor involved in mining, smelting, and striking these coins. The materiality speaks to the empire's vast reach. Editor: So, its value isn't just monetary? Curator: Precisely. The coin embodies Roman administration and economic systems. Each one represents a piece of the Roman economy, how it worked, and who benefited. It's a powerful object. Editor: I never thought about it that way, seeing it as more than just an artifact, but also a testament to the Roman empire's vast system of production. Curator: Exactly, we gain insight into their culture from the most common of objects.