Coin of Ephesos under Salonina c. 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Ephesos, minted under Salonina. What strikes me is how worn it is; it speaks to a long history of circulation and use. How do we interpret such an everyday object in a museum setting? Curator: Its survival is remarkable. Coins weren't just currency; they were propaganda, miniature monuments circulating images of power. Salonina’s presence on this coin, produced in Ephesus, highlights the Roman Empire’s reach and its reliance on local centers for image dissemination. What do you think about its display? Editor: I guess placing it in a museum elevates its status, transforming it from a common object into a valuable artifact. Does this change its meaning? Curator: Absolutely. The museum gives it a new life, framing it within narratives of art, history, and culture. It becomes a symbol of the past, prompting questions about Roman imperial power and its visual representation. Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn't considered the coin as a tool of propaganda and how the museum alters its story. Curator: Exactly. It shows how institutions shape our understanding and appreciation of art's public role.