Denarius of Marc Antony, Moving Mint 31 BCE

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Marc Antony. It’s a small silver coin, about the size of a dime, minted while Antony was on the move. Editor: Immediately, I see a potent symbol of power. The war galley, so sharply defined, speaks of Antony's naval strength, but there's a vulnerability here too. It feels exposed, almost adrift. Curator: Indeed. One side shows the war galley, a symbol of his military campaigns. The other depicts a legionary eagle, a standard of Roman legions, flanked by two more standards. Editor: It's fascinating how such a small object can carry so much historical weight. It’s not just a coin; it's a statement, a piece of propaganda meant to resonate with both soldiers and the wider population. Curator: Absolutely. And to imagine the sheer number of these coins that were struck, each one a little echo of Antony's ambition. It's quite evocative. Editor: I agree. It brings ancient history to life in a tangible way. I keep thinking about the hands it has passed through.