Coin of Ilium under Julia Domna c. 193 - 211

Editor: This is a coin of Ilium, technically “under” Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. It’s small, only 9.16 grams! It feels so worn, like holding a tiny, tarnished memory. What do you make of it? Curator: It's a whisper from the past, isn’t it? Julia Domna, a powerful woman, her image struck on this humble coin. It speaks of empires, of trade, of everyday life. Do you see how her presence subtly asserted her influence? Editor: I guess I hadn't thought of it that way, I was just looking at the oxidation! Curator: The oxidation is part of the story! It's the touch of time, the alchemic transformation of metal into history. Each little pit and mark is a testament to its journey. Editor: I’ll never look at an old coin the same way again. Curator: That’s the magic of art, isn’t it? Shifting perspectives, one coin, one moment at a time.