Antoninianus of Tetricus I 270 - 273

Editor: This is the Antoninianus of Tetricus I, a Roman coin. What strikes me is the wear and tear; it looks like it's been through a lot. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the material itself. This coin, likely bronze or copper, represents more than just currency. It’s a physical manifestation of the Roman state’s economic reach. Its debasement during Tetricus's reign reflects the sociopolitical instability of the time. How does that affect your understanding of the coin? Editor: So, it's less about the image on the coin, and more about what the coin itself represents in terms of Roman economics and labor? Curator: Precisely. The production of these coins – the mining of the metal, the labor of striking the image – reveals the infrastructure and exploitation at play in maintaining an empire. It's a tangible link to the Roman system of production and consumption. Editor: That's a really interesting way to look at it. I never thought about a coin representing so much. Curator: Indeed, it’s a miniature mirror reflecting vast systems.