Antoninianus of Tetricus I c. 3th century

Curator: This is an Antoninianus of Tetricus I. It's an ancient coin, and its materiality speaks volumes about its history. I wonder what you make of its worn surface? Editor: There’s a somber, almost ghostly quality to it. The coin's eroded state hints at the loss and decay of power, perhaps reflecting Tetricus's tumultuous reign and eventual fall. Curator: Absolutely, and the imagery itself reflects that complexity. The figure of Tetricus on one side, and likely a depiction of a deity on the other, both point to his effort to legitimize his rule amidst political instability. Editor: Considering the means of production and circulation, these coins weren't just currency; they were propaganda, disseminating the image and authority of the emperor across the realm. Curator: Indeed. And the very act of minting and distributing these coins involved labor, resources, and a complex social structure, highlighting the intersection of power, identity, and economic control. Editor: It’s remarkable how this small object embodies such a wide array of socio-political forces. Curator: It does make you think differently about our world of finance today, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely, a lot to consider.