Denarius of Philip I 

Editor: This is a Denarius of Philip I, made of silver. It's incredible to think about how this coin, just a small piece of metal, could have held so much value and facilitated trade. What does this coin tell us about the society that made it? Curator: This coin is a tangible piece of the Roman economy, reflecting the empire's reliance on resource extraction. Silver mining, labor practices, and trade routes all converged in the creation of this small artifact. Consider the human cost of procuring the silver and the social hierarchy it represents. Editor: So, it’s less about Philip I’s image and more about the system that produced it? Curator: Precisely. The image is a symbol, yes, but the true story lies in the material conditions that made it possible. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks for the insight! Curator: My pleasure, understanding material history is crucial to understanding art.