Coin of Alexandria under Antoninus Pius c. 152 - 153

Editor: Here we have a coin of Alexandria under Antoninus Pius. It's fascinating to see the wear and tear on this object. What does the materiality tell us about its creation and use? Curator: The coin's copper alloy and its production method, likely striking, speak to the industrial practices of the Roman Empire. The wear signifies circulation and economic activity. Editor: So, each scratch tells a story of exchange and labor? Curator: Precisely! The coin embodies the socioeconomic forces at play during Antoninus Pius's reign, connecting artistic production to broader historical and material conditions. Editor: That's a great way to look at it! I hadn't considered the social aspect of something so small. Curator: Absolutely! It’s an example of how materiality informs our understanding of ancient economies.