Diobol of Alexandria under Antoninus Pius c. 141 - 142

Curator: Before us is a diobol of Alexandria, dating back to the reign of Antoninus Pius. It's a humble coin, isn’t it? Editor: It has a certain weight about it, literally and figuratively. I'm immediately drawn to the material, the copper alloy, and the marks of wear. It speaks to its journey through countless hands. Curator: Indeed. On one side, we see the idealized portrait of Antoninus Pius, a symbol of imperial power and authority. On the other, the sacred bull Apis, a deity revered in ancient Egypt for its virility and connection to royalty. Editor: These coins acted as a form of mass production, spreading the emperor’s image and power across a wide range of social classes. The very act of minting these coins solidified the emperor's control over resources and trade. Curator: Absolutely. The Apis bull isn't simply a decorative element; it represents the enduring strength and divine favor associated with the emperor's reign. Editor: I find myself pondering the hands that labored to mine the metal, strike the die, and circulate this coin. Such a small object carries such a large social context. Curator: It's a reminder that even the smallest artifacts can hold profound meaning. Editor: Quite so, the means of production and iconography are so intertwined, it’s easy to get lost in history.