Denarius of C. Vibius C.f. Pansa, Rome 48 BCE

Editor: Here we have the Denarius of C. Vibius C.f. Pansa from Rome. The moneyer was C. Vibius C.f. C.n. Pansa Caetronianus, and it’s at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s incredible to think about this coin, this object of daily exchange, being made by hand. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Considering this denarius, I'm drawn to how the materiality—the silver itself—speaks to Rome's economic and social structures. The coin's production, the labor involved, and its circulation tell us about consumption and power. Editor: So, it's not just about the images on the coin, but the coin *itself* as a cultural artifact? Curator: Precisely. The value of the silver, the act of minting, and how it facilitated trade are all interwoven. Considering it was a tool of Roman expansion, this small coin carries immense weight. Editor: That gives me a completely different perspective on something I thought was just about art and history. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, questioning the production and use reveals so much more than just the surface image.