Dupondius of Commodus c. 2th century

Curator: This is a dupondius coin, attributed to Commodus. Look at the wear and tear—imagine the hands it has passed through! Editor: There is a certain weightiness to it, isn’t there? Its patinated surface shows it has lived. Curator: Copper alloy, of course. Minted during Commodus's reign, it was more than just currency; it was a vehicle for imperial messaging. Editor: Absolutely. The portrait is more than just an image. It's about power, the emperor's role. How the elite wanted to be seen and how they shaped public perception. Curator: Exactly. This small object played a part in the social and economic life of the Roman Empire. Its very composition, its metallic content…tells a story of trade and resource control. Editor: And beyond that, it underscores how public images were curated and disseminated. Food for thought, indeed.