Coin of Resaina under Elagabalus c. 3th century

Editor: This is a bronze coin from the time of Elagabalus, entitled Coin of Resaina under Elagabalus. It’s fascinating to consider it as a piece of currency. What does its materiality tell us about the society that produced it? Curator: The coin’s creation hinges on resource extraction, labor specialization, and a system of value predicated on material scarcity and imperial power. Consider the metal itself, likely sourced through extensive mining operations. Editor: So, it's not just an object of art, but evidence of complex social and economic systems? Curator: Precisely. The coin speaks volumes about labor, trade, and the emperor's control over these resources. Its physical state also tells a story of use, loss, and rediscovery. What does this tell you about Roman culture? Editor: It reminds me that even art is shaped by earthly concerns. Curator: Indeed, it blurs the lines between art, commodity, and historical document.