Coin of Salonina c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a "Coin of Salonina" from Harvard Art Museums, its weight marked at 2.5 grams. It seems small and worn. What can you tell me about this object? Curator: This coin isn't just a portrait of Salonina; it's a record of Roman labor, resources, and the control of their distribution. Think about the mining of metals, the skilled artisans crafting the die, the political power dictating its imagery, and the everyday transactions it facilitated. Editor: So, its value extends beyond its monetary worth at the time? Curator: Absolutely. The coin's material composition, its wear and tear, even its eventual loss and rediscovery – all these tell a story about its journey through different economies and social strata. It prompts us to consider the relationship between rulers, craftspeople, and the broader populace. Editor: That's a unique perspective; I hadn’t considered the sheer amount of work involved in one coin. Curator: Indeed. It’s a small artifact, yet it embodies a vast network of production and consumption.