Post-reform Radiate Fraction of Diocletian, Ticinum c. 299

Editor: Here we have a coin, a "Post-reform Radiate Fraction of Diocletian, Ticinum." It’s a small bronze piece, quite worn. I'm curious, what can we learn about the society that produced something like this? Curator: This coin, like all currency, speaks volumes about the Roman economy and Diocletian's efforts to stabilize it. The materiality of the bronze itself, its weight, and the processes of minting—these reflect the control the state sought to exert over labor and trade. What does its worn condition suggest to you? Editor: Perhaps it circulated widely, evidence of its use in everyday exchanges. Curator: Precisely. It's not just an image of power; it’s a tool of economic and social interaction, telling us about the material conditions of the era. Editor: That makes me see it differently. Curator: Indeed, focusing on the material offers unique insights.