Coin of Perge under Herennius Etruscus 249 - 251

Editor: This coin of Perge, issued under Herennius Etruscus, is incredibly tactile, isn't it? The patina really highlights its age. What can you tell me about the materiality and production of such an object? Curator: Consider the labor involved in extracting the metal, the skill in die-making, and the social control exerted through its distribution. This isn't just an image of power; it's a testament to Roman resource management and economic reach. Editor: So, you're saying the value lies not just in its representation but in the whole system that created it? Curator: Precisely. The coin embodies the material realities of the Roman Empire: mining, trade, and the power dynamics inherent in controlling the means of exchange. Editor: That's a really different way of seeing it. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It's about tracing the object's life, from ore to circulation, to understand its place within the wider social fabric.