Denarius of Caracalla c. 198s - 208s

Curator: Here we have a Denarius, a coin minted during the reign of the Roman Emperor Caracalla. Its weight is just over 3 grams. Editor: It looks like it's been unearthed from some long-lost civilization. It evokes such a sense of antiquity! Curator: Indeed. Caracalla used coins like this to project power and solidify his image across the vast Roman Empire. Notice the emperor's portrait on one side. Editor: And the other side depicts a figure, perhaps a deity? The craftsmanship, even with the wear and tear of time, is impressive. It's a pocket-sized propaganda piece! Curator: Precisely. Coins were tools of communication, reaching far beyond the elite. Editor: It makes you wonder about all the hands this little coin has passed through. Curator: It's more than just currency; it's a tangible link to a world long past. A tiny window into Roman history. Editor: A reminder that even emperors eventually fade, but art—even in the form of a small coin—can endure.