Coin of Antiocheia Caesarea 

Curator: The "Coin of Antiocheia Caesarea" offers a glimpse into the economics of the Roman Empire. Editor: Its worn texture is captivating. You can almost feel the hands that touched it. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this, crafted under Valerian I, were more than just currency. They were tools of imperial propaganda. Editor: Copper alloy, a common material, hints at mass production for circulation among wider segments of society. Curator: Precisely. Its imagery, although faded, would have communicated power and authority. Editor: Makes you wonder about the skilled laborers involved in every step of production. Curator: Seeing how it bears witness to complex systems of power and material culture is striking. Editor: An intriguing artifact—bringing the daily life of the Roman Empire into sharp focus.