Coin of Antioch under Trebonianus Gallus c. 251 - 253

Curator: Here we have a bronze coin from Antioch, minted during the reign of Trebonianus Gallus. Editor: It looks heavily worn but even so, I get a real sense of the labor and materials involved in its making. Curator: Indeed, the wear itself speaks volumes about its journey through history. The coin's iconography, especially the seated figure within the temple, is loaded with cultural meaning. Editor: I wonder about the division of labor. Who designed it, and who actually struck the metal? Was it a collective effort, or did one artisan conceptualize and execute it all? Curator: It makes you wonder about the intended impact, doesn't it? Was it just about projecting power, or about something more enduring? Editor: Definitely more than just economics at play. It’s a testament to the enduring power of process, material, and how they can convey meaning.