Coin of Gaza under Julia Domna c. 206 - 207

Editor: Here we have a coin of Gaza, minted during the time of Julia Domna. The material looks like heavily patinated bronze. What strikes me is the worn surface; what can we learn from the materiality of this coin? Curator: The coin’s degradation speaks volumes. Think about the bronze itself, the labor involved in its extraction, smelting, and minting. How did its value as a commodity intersect with its function as propaganda and currency? Editor: So, the wear and tear aren't just about age, but about its role in society? Curator: Precisely. This coin passed through many hands, each transaction a tiny act of consumption, each owner contributing to its current state. Its very existence depended on trade networks and imperial power. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks for sharing! Curator: Likewise! It’s fascinating to consider how something so small carries so much weight.