Denarius of L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus, Rome 89 BCE-88 BCE

Curator: This is a Roman denarius, a silver coin, created by L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus. Editor: It feels weighty, this small disc. I imagine the cool touch of the metal, the labor involved in its creation. Curator: Indeed. Notice the depiction of King Tatius on one side, representing an early Sabine ruler, evoking Rome's foundational narratives. Editor: And the minting process itself, the striking of these images—each coin a product of intense social and economic systems. It connects ancient labor to consumption. Curator: Precisely. The imagery reminds the viewer of Roman history and identity, a subtle but powerful form of propaganda circulating throughout society. Editor: Holding history, literally. The wear speaks of countless transactions, of power shifting hands. Makes me think about the many systems that have traded on this material. Curator: It certainly encapsulates a wealth of history, doesn’t it? Editor: More than meets the eye.