Denarius of Julius Caesar, Africa 47 -46 BCE

Editor: Here we have a silver denarius, issued by Julius Caesar in Africa. Its worn surface whispers of its journey through time. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Consider the labor involved: mining the silver, refining it, striking the die. This wasn’t just currency; it was a tool of propaganda. How does the imagery itself contribute to the material impact of this object? Editor: So it’s not just about Caesar’s image, but about controlling resources and shaping perception. That’s fascinating. Curator: Precisely. The coin becomes a miniature monument to power, extending Caesar's reach through trade and visual messaging. Editor: I never thought of it that way before. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about the object’s material reality gives us a tangible connection to the past.