Denarius of C. Gargonius, M. Vergilius, and Ogulnius, Rome (plated) c. 86 BCE

Editor: This is a Denarius of C. Gargonius, M. Vergilius, and Ogulnius, a plated coin from Rome. The faces are worn, but I can still make out some details. How do you interpret the composition of the images on each side? Curator: The coin presents itself as a study in relief. Consider the formal arrangement of the images, how the limited space necessitates a strategic employment of line and form to convey recognizable iconography. What strikes you about the relationship between the two sides? Editor: Well, each side seems to feature a distinct set of figures, almost like two separate artistic statements bound by the circular shape. I hadn't thought of it in terms of "relief" before. Curator: Precisely. The formal elements—the use of line, the contrast between raised and flattened surfaces, the intrinsic value of the metal itself—all contribute to the coin's aesthetic. This, viewed through a formalist lens, allows us to appreciate it beyond its mere function. Editor: That gives me a new perspective, considering the balance and structure within each tiny composition. Thank you! Curator: Indeed. A close reading reveals the intentionality embedded in its design.