Coin of Abila under Lucius Verus c. 2th century

Curator: We’re looking at a bronze coin issued in Abila during the reign of Lucius Verus. Editor: It’s incredible that something this small, weighing just 6.68 grams, could embody the power of an empire. The wear and texture are quite striking. Curator: Indeed. These coins were functional, mediating exchange and projecting imperial authority. The image of Verus would have reinforced his presence, particularly in a place like Abila. Editor: The bas-relief portrait—though worn—still suggests something of his likeness. Notice the laurel wreath, a clear symbol of victory and status. Curator: The value lies not just in its aesthetic form but in its role as a tool of economic and political control, and in the skilled labor required to produce it. Editor: It's interesting to consider how the form of a coin, beyond its material value, was crafted as a carrier of ideological weight. Curator: Exactly. Reflecting on its dual nature—a means of exchange and a symbol of power—gives us a richer sense of the ancient world. Editor: Agreed. Examining the formal qualities alongside the social context provides a complete view.