Denarius of A. Licinius Nerva, Rome c. 47 BCE

Curator: Up next we have a Roman denarius. This one was made by A. Licinius Nerva, a moneyer in Rome. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how much symbolism is packed into such a small object. A whole worldview condensed into a coin. Curator: Exactly! The portrait, likely a Roman emperor, crowned with laurel signifies victory and authority, a powerful political image. Editor: And on the reverse, the horsemen evokes military might, and speaks to Rome's dominance. Who was being included, and excluded, from that power? Curator: Coins like this are fascinating because they show us how rulers wanted to be seen, shaping narratives. Editor: Absolutely. Looking at it, I'm thinking about the long, complex history of Roman power. Curator: A coin might seem insignificant, but it carries so much cultural weight. Editor: Yes, food for thought indeed.