Coin of Cornelia Salonina 260 - 268

Editor: Here we have "Coin of Cornelia Salonina," we don't have a specific date, made of some kind of metal. It looks almost green with age! What can you tell us about how it was made? Curator: Well, mass production is key here. Consider the labor involved in extracting the metals, the specialized skills of the die engravers, and the systemic reach of Roman mints. Each coin represents a calculated deployment of resources. Editor: So it's not just money, but a whole production chain in miniature? Curator: Precisely! And the coin’s circulation facilitated trade, paid soldiers, and fueled the Empire's expansion. The material is the message, reflecting power, control, and access. Editor: I see! It's like a little artifact of Roman power. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It is all about seeing how materials tell such big stories.