Coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Macrinus c. 3th century

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this coin from Thessalonike, minted during the brief reign of Emperor Macrinus in the early 3rd century CE. Editor: It feels remarkably heavy for its size—almost ten grams. You can see how the copper alloy has aged, that patina really emphasizes the bas-relief. Curator: Macrinus' ascent to power was unconventional, to say the least; the images on coins like these were carefully chosen to legitimize his rule and connect him to tradition. Editor: Look at the way the die was cast; you can see the skill of the artisan. The deliberate use of specific metals would have also been tied to its value and power. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery of the coin itself—a depiction of the emperor on one side and a symbolic representation of the city on the other—reinforces the established imperial order. It's propaganda in miniature. Editor: It is a tangible representation of power. A small object that connected the people to the politics of the time. Curator: Indeed, it provides insight into the construction of imperial authority and its dissemination through the channels of everyday life. Editor: And for me, a connection to the artistry required in making such a ubiquitous yet significant object.