Denarius of Didius Julianus c. 193

Curator: This is a Denarius of Didius Julianus, a coin minted during his brief reign in 193 AD. Editor: The worn texture of this small silver coin speaks volumes about its journey through history, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. Julianus bought the Roman Empire at auction after the assassination of Pertinax. This coin is tangible evidence of that power exchange. It also speaks to the political instability and corruption of the era. Editor: The coin's material—silver—was likely sourced from mines worked by enslaved labor, reflecting the empire's reliance on exploitation. Consider also the craftsmanship involved in die-making and striking the coin, an entire industry dependent on this system. Curator: Exactly. The image of Julianus on one side and a representation of a deity on the other reflects the regime's aspirations, but also the inherent contradictions of imperial power. It’s propaganda in miniature. Editor: Indeed, and the coin's existence is a testament to the intricate networks of material production, distribution, and power. I find the evidence of wear and tear to be particularly evocative. Curator: Its survival is a reminder that power, like this coin, changes hands. Editor: A fittingly durable, yet tarnished, artifact of a fleeting and controversial moment.