Coin of Anazarbus under Herennius Etruscus c. 251

Curator: This is a coin of Anazarbus, minted during the reign of Herennius Etruscus, around the mid-3rd century AD. Look closely; you can see the wear that speaks to its journey through time. Editor: It's amazing how much history is captured in such a small, unassuming object. There is such a somber, aged feel to this coin. Curator: Indeed. Anazarbus, located in ancient Cilicia, present-day Turkey, was a significant urban center. Coins like this were more than just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda. Editor: Absolutely. The portrait of Etruscus, however faint, normalizes imperial power. How did the coin circulate, and what did it mean for the local economy and the average person? Curator: It likely played a role in local trade and payments. Its presence signaled Rome's economic and political influence in the region, reinforcing civic identity. Editor: I see a visual record of the Roman empire's financial and political domination. It reminds me that every piece of currency tells a story. Curator: Yes, from its materiality to its imagery, a coin like this opens a window into understanding the Roman Empire’s pervasive influence. Editor: Reflecting on it, the coin stands as an artifact of both personal and political transactions— a true intersection of daily life and imperial ambition.