Coin of Bargasa under Commodus 180 - 192

Curator: Examining this bronze coin minted in Bargasa under Commodus, one is immediately struck by its weight and materiality. Editor: The first thing that hits me is how worn it looks, like holding a little piece of ancient yearning. You can almost feel the countless hands that touched it. Curator: Absolutely, and it's important to consider the context of Roman coin production during Commodus’ reign. These objects, beyond their monetary value, were powerful tools for disseminating imperial imagery. Editor: It's fascinating how something so small could carry so much political weight, isn't it? I mean, it’s like a pocket-sized propaganda machine. Curator: Indeed. And the very act of striking these coins involved skilled labor, resource extraction, and trade networks, all facets of Roman economic power. Editor: Makes you think about the unseen artistry in everyday objects, the hidden labor involved in something so common. It’s quite grounding. Curator: It really underscores the interconnectedness of art, labor, and power. Editor: Agreed, and that gives me a new appreciation for this little, battered piece of history.