Antoninianus of Philip the Arab c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Philip the Arab, a Roman emperor of the 3rd century. Weighing only 3.6 grams, these coins were crucial for commerce and propaganda throughout the empire. Editor: It's incredible how much history is concentrated in this tiny, worn object. There's something poignant about the eroded image of power. Curator: Indeed. As currency, these coins facilitated daily life and reflected imperial authority. The portrait on one side conveyed Philip's image, while the depiction of a deity reinforced Rome's religious foundations. Editor: I'm struck by the tension between the idealized portrait and the brutal realities of Roman expansion. What narratives were excluded when Philip promoted his own image? Curator: A valid point. The very act of minting currency was a political statement, asserting control and projecting power. This coin is a testament to the power of art as a political tool. Editor: Absolutely. It reminds us to question whose stories are told and whose are silenced through the art and artifacts that endure.