Decanummium of Maurice Tiberius, Carthage 584 - 585

This Decanummium was produced during the reign of Maurice Tiberius in Carthage from bronze. The coin, small and unassuming as it is, was an essential tool for administering an empire and enabling the lives of everyday people. The very act of striking metal into a coin is bound up with power. Ancient coins like this one were made using a die. The metal would have been heated and placed between two dies, then hammered to create an impression on both sides. We can see the amount of labor involved in the production process when we consider the number of coins needed to satisfy the demands of the population. Although this coin is not crafted in the traditional sense, we can still think about how its material affects its appearance, and how its production has imbued it with social significance. Considering materials and processes can encourage us to see this coin not only as a symbol of power, but also as a reminder of the labor and resources required to sustain an economy and society.