Antoninianus of Philip I c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Philip I. Editor: It looks like it has seen better days! The corrosion makes it hard to discern the details, but even in its worn state, it's clear it once carried a powerful image. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were crucial tools for projecting imperial power and disseminating propaganda. The image of Philip would have been instantly recognizable. Editor: And think of the labor! Mining the metal, refining it, striking the coin itself—each step a testament to Roman economic and social organization. Curator: The portrait, of course, is more than just a likeness; it's a statement of authority, connecting Philip to a lineage of emperors and to the very idea of Roman power. Editor: These coins were literally handled by everyone, weren't they? Emperors, merchants, soldiers... Each transaction imbued with political power. Curator: It allows us to connect to the past through potent symbols of power and status. Editor: It is truly astonishing how daily objects were crafted and used to communicate power.