Denarius of Caracalla c. 214

Curator: I'm struck by the weight of this object. This is a silver denarius of Caracalla. He was quite the character, and even designed this coin himself. Editor: It's haunting. The wear and tear make you feel the passage of time, the cold metal almost vibrating with history. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were not just money; they were propaganda. Caracalla's portrait, that severe profile, would have been instantly recognizable. Editor: And the figure on the reverse? It almost feels like an ancestor, some figure of authority from the past he wanted to channel. Curator: Likely a representation of one of the Roman gods. These symbols connected Caracalla to the divine, reinforcing his power. Editor: It’s a powerful reminder of how even the smallest objects can carry immense symbolic weight and enduring stories. Curator: Indeed. Pocket-sized propaganda – a tangible link to a fascinating, flawed emperor.