Denarius of P. Accoleius Lariscolus, Rome c. 43 BCE

Editor: Here we have a Denarius by P. Accoleius Lariscolus from Rome. It's a small, silver coin, but it feels monumental. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency. They were tools of political messaging. The imagery, the goddesses, even the weight of the silver, all communicated power and legitimacy. Think about how this circulated, shaping perceptions of Roman authority. Editor: So, it's more than just money? Curator: Exactly! It's propaganda on a tiny scale. The depiction of those female figures, perhaps personifying virtues or conquered territories, reinforced a specific narrative of Roman strength and cultural superiority. How do you think that narrative impacted the lives of those outside Roman power? Editor: It's fascinating to think about how such a small object could carry such weight. Curator: Indeed, and it reminds us that even the most mundane objects are embedded in complex power dynamics.