Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus, a Roman coin. The wear and corrosion on the metal are striking. What can you tell us about the material processes involved here? Curator: This coin, beyond its iconic imagery, reveals a story of resource extraction, labor, and circulation. Consider the mines that provided the metal, the workshops where it was cast, and its role in economic exchange. Editor: So, its value extends beyond just currency? Curator: Absolutely. The coin is a material testament to the Roman empire's economic and social systems, reflecting power dynamics and material culture through its very existence and circulation. What do you think of that? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered before. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about art this way really enriches our understanding.