Coin of Resaina under Trajan Decius 

Editor: Here we have a coin of Resaina under Trajan Decius. It's a weathered piece of metal, almost like a small, personal artifact. What can you tell me about this object? Curator: Let's consider the materiality. This coin isn't just an image; it’s a product of labor, a representation of value created through mining, smelting, and striking. How does the wear and tear on the coin affect our understanding of its original value and use? Editor: So, the coin's physical state tells its story? Curator: Exactly! The coin's journey through trade, its exchange in the marketplace, it all shapes its existence. It’s a tangible link to the social and economic context of its time. Do you think it blurs the lines between art object and commodity? Editor: I see how that perspective really emphasizes the coin's history and its place in society. Thanks!