Denarius of L. Calpurnius L.f. L.n. Piso Frugi, Rome c. 90 BCE

Editor: This is a denarius of L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi from Rome. I’m fascinated by how a single coin could be such a powerful tool for projecting power. What can this tell us about the social and political context? Curator: Precisely! Roman coinage wasn't just currency; it was propaganda. The imagery—perhaps a deity or a political figure—and inscriptions broadcast messages of authority and legitimacy to a broad audience. How do you think this particular imagery might have functioned politically? Editor: Maybe it was meant to connect Piso Frugi to some heroic figure? Curator: Possibly. The imagery and inscription can reveal insights into the moneyer's ambitions and the messages they wished to convey to the public. Coins became powerful symbols within the broader cultural landscape of Rome. Editor: That’s fascinating! I never thought about coins having such a big social impact.