Anonymous Triens, Rome c. 128

Curator: This is an Anonymous Triens, a bronze coin from Rome, struck by L. Caecilius Metellus. It weighs just under 7.5 grams. Editor: It looks quite small, almost lost to time. The green spots give it a sense of being reclaimed by the earth, almost like a moss. Curator: Consider how such objects, currency in daily exchange, shaped early Roman social structures, its material value dictating access and privilege. Editor: Absolutely. The depiction of Roma herself is an interesting choice. It highlights how gendered symbols were used to assert political power and project ideals of Roman identity. Curator: It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between economics, power, and cultural identity in ancient Rome. Editor: It's powerful to hold something like this, feeling the weight of history and reflecting on how money continues to shape our world today. Curator: Indeed. It’s fascinating to study this coin, observing how it embodies power relations, economic status, and Roman identity.