Antoninianus of Diocletian 285

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Diocletian. It’s small, metallic, and clearly worn with age. It seems to be made of base metal like bronze, rather than silver. What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: The Antoninianus offers a lens into the Roman economy, specifically the labor involved in mining and minting. These coins, often debased, reflect the material realities and economic pressures of Diocletian's reign. Editor: Debased? Curator: Yes. The diminishing silver content reveals a society struggling to maintain its value systems. It highlights the relationship between material, power, and trust. Consider the social implications of reduced purchasing power for the average Roman. Editor: That makes me think about inflation and how it affects people. Curator: Precisely. It's a reminder that even seemingly small objects like coins can offer insight into broader social and economic dynamics. This was quite enlightening! Editor: I hadn’t thought about a coin in this way before.