Denarius of Q. Titius Mutto, Rome 90 BCE-87 BCE

Editor: Here we have the Denarius of Q. Titius Mutto from Rome, and what strikes me is how this tiny object could have been an instrument of power. What story does it tell about its time? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda. The imagery, likely chosen by Mutto himself, projects a specific image of Roman virtues and authority. What do you notice about the figures depicted? Editor: Well, one side shows what appears to be a figure in a helmet and the other a winged horse. Curator: Precisely. The helmeted figure evokes military strength, while the winged horse, Pegasus, suggests divine favor and perhaps even aspirations of glory. How might this coin influence the perception of Mutto and his role in Roman society? Editor: I guess it's a constant, pocket-sized reminder of Roman power and status. It really makes you think about how art is used to promote ideologies. Curator: Exactly. This coin reveals how art, even in the most mundane forms, operates within a complex web of social and political forces, shaping public opinion and reinforcing power structures.