Dupondius of Commodus 

Curator: Here we have a Dupondius, a Roman coin, crafted during the reign of Emperor Commodus. The coin, weighing approximately 10.9 grams, offers a glimpse into the socio-political landscape of its time. Editor: It's intriguing how tactile it feels just looking at it, almost like holding history itself. The metal bears witness to the labor and resources invested in its creation. Curator: Absolutely. Consider Commodus's reign—a period marked by increasing authoritarianism and extravagance. Coins like these served as propaganda, reinforcing his image and power. Editor: And think about the copper alloy itself, its extraction, smelting, and the skilled artisans who shaped it. The coin becomes a tangible record of Roman industry. Curator: Indeed. And the image itself - a portrait of Commodus - speaks to the cult of personality cultivated around the emperor, a tactic to legitimize his rule. Editor: I'm struck by the distance it has traveled, both physically and culturally, to end up here. Curator: It's a testament to the enduring power of material objects to carry stories across millennia, reminding us that history is etched into the very fabric of our world. Editor: A small object, but it opens vast perspectives.