Denarius of C. Scribonius, Rome c. 154

Curator: Here we have a Roman silver coin, a denarius, made by C. Scribonius. It’s incredible to think about the hands it must have passed through. Editor: The imagery speaks volumes; the helmeted head is quite striking, almost severe. Is that Roma herself? Curator: It is, indeed. Its form is representative of value. Each coin was carefully struck—the labor-intensive process is an element of value itself. Editor: The reverse side with the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, reinforces themes of power and divine favor, doesn’t it? Dualism. Curator: Right, and the silver itself would have been mined, processed, traded… wealth made manifest. Editor: To contemplate the layers of meaning embedded in such a small object is endlessly fascinating. Curator: It’s a potent reminder that even the smallest objects carry the weight of history. Editor: Indeed. The Roman aesthetic continues to affect culture, doesn't it?