Denarius of Mn. Acilius (Glabrio?), Rome 49 BCE

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Mn. Acilius, likely from Rome. Mn. Acilius, the moneyer, stamped his mark on this artifact, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, with a weight of 4.23 grams. Editor: It feels ancient and weighty, not just in grams but in its history. I imagine all the hands it passed through, the stories it could tell. Curator: The production of these coins was carefully controlled by the Roman state, serving both as a means of exchange and a powerful form of propaganda. Editor: I find it really compelling how such a small, mundane object, made of common metal, really gives me a glimpse into ancient life. Curator: Absolutely. Examining the wear patterns and the distribution of these coins gives us insight into trade routes and economic activity of the time. Editor: It’s a beautiful artifact, so humble, yet speaking volumes about Roman commerce and culture. Curator: Precisely, a material witness to the vast social networks of its time. Editor: Really makes you think about what everyday objects might reveal about our own civilization, centuries from now.