Denarius of C. Gargonius, M. Vergilius, and Ogulnius, Rome c. 86 BCE

Editor: This Roman coin, a denarius, features a bust on one side and what appears to be a chariot scene on the other. It's incredible to think of the stories this little piece of metal could tell. What do you see in this piece, looking beyond its monetary value? Curator: This denarius isn't just about currency; it's a carefully crafted piece of propaganda. Consider the imagery: who is being represented, and what values are being promoted through this depiction of power and military might? How does it reflect the power dynamics of the Roman Republic? Editor: So, it's less about the individual and more about the message? Curator: Precisely. Coins were tools to disseminate ideas about Roman identity, leadership, and civic virtue. The images chosen weren't arbitrary; they were meant to reinforce a specific narrative. Thinking about it that way, what does it mean to have such narratives stamped onto everyday objects? Editor: That gives me a new way to think about the relationship between art, power, and everyday life. Thank you! Curator: Absolutely! It’s a reminder that even the smallest artifacts can offer powerful insights into the values of a society.