Denarius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: This is a Denarius of Antoninus Pius, a small silver coin. It's fascinating to think about how this material circulated and what it could buy. What can we learn from examining the production and use of such an object? Curator: The coin's materiality and its role in Roman society are key. Silver wasn't just a pretty metal; its value was tied to labor, mining, and trade networks. Who controlled the silver mines, and how did that power manifest in the imagery stamped onto the coin? Editor: So, the coin becomes a record of economic and political power? Curator: Precisely. The image of Antoninus Pius isn't just a portrait; it's a claim to authority, reproduced and distributed widely. Consider the effort and resources involved in minting countless coins. Editor: It makes you think about the sheer scale of the Roman Empire's operations. Thanks for illuminating that! Curator: My pleasure. Examining the coin's production and circulation reveals a complex web of power, labor, and consumption.