Denarius of L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus, Rome c. 89 BCE

Editor: This is a Denarius of L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus from Rome. It’s interesting how such a small object could hold so much value. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: Its silver material is key. This coin wasn't just money; it was a tool for communicating power. Minting these denarii was a way for the moneyer, L. Titurius, to display his lineage and influence. Consider the labor involved in extracting the silver, refining it, and then meticulously stamping these images onto each coin. Editor: So, it’s less about the art and more about the economics? Curator: Not necessarily less about the art, but more about how artistic choices intersect with economic and social realities. The very act of circulating these coins shaped Roman society. What does that tell us about value then?