Coin of Iconium under Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a coin from Iconium, dating back to the reign of Antoninus Pius. Editor: It's amazing how much history is concentrated in such a small, circular space. The wear and tear really conveys a sense of age. Curator: Precisely! These coins functioned as tools for imperial representation. Imagine the Roman authority this object projected as it circulated! Editor: The surface texture is quite rich. The oxidation gives it a depth, doesn't it? You can almost trace the original engraving with your eye. Curator: Each coin was propaganda. The portrait of Antoninus Pius, the inscriptions...all reinforcing his image and reign within the vast empire. Editor: I keep coming back to the materiality. The weight, the feel...it must have been a tangible connection to power for the people. Curator: Indeed. A constant reminder of Roman authority in their daily lives. Editor: It's remarkable how something so small can speak so loudly across the ages.