Coin of Tomis under Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Curator: This is a Roman coin, specifically a coin of Tomis dating back to the reign of Severus Alexander. It's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s small, obviously, but the wear and tear speak volumes. I’m curious about the metal composition and how it reflects trade routes. Curator: Indeed. The coin’s production reflects the Roman Empire's economic and political control over Tomis, a significant port city on the Black Sea. Its imagery would have communicated Roman power. Editor: And the material itself? This wasn’t just about power; the metal had to be sourced, refined, struck. Where did that metal come from? Who were the laborers involved? Curator: Those are important questions. The coin served as propaganda, of course, but also as a functional object deeply embedded in daily life and imperial administration. Editor: Right, a tangible expression of Roman authority, created through exploited resources and labor. It's a potent little thing, isn't it? Curator: It is. It makes you consider the vast reach of Roman influence embedded in something we might easily overlook. Editor: Precisely. Its value extends far beyond numismatics; it's a material witness to a network of power.