Coin of Sardis under Caracalla c. 198s - 208s

Editor: Here we have a coin of Sardis under Caracalla. It looks like it's made of bronze. The wear and tear really shows its age! What can you tell us about the coin's significance? Curator: Coins such as this one were powerful tools of Roman imperial communication. Minted in local centers like Sardis, they served as constant reminders of Roman power, embedding imperial imagery within everyday life. Editor: So, it’s more than just money? Curator: Precisely! Consider the artistry, the deliberate choice of imagery. How do you think its circulation shaped public perception of Caracalla and the Roman Empire? Editor: That’s a great point. It's a pocket-sized piece of propaganda! I’ll definitely think about that. Curator: It highlights the complex relationship between political power and visual culture.