Denarius of Otho, Rome 69 CE

Editor: Here we have a silver coin, a Denarius of Otho. It's small, but you can see the wear from being handled. What story does the production of this coin tell? Curator: The minting of this coin was a highly material and political act. The silver itself, where did it come from? What labor extracted it, and how does that connect to Otho’s power? Editor: So, it’s less about Otho’s portrait and more about the coin's journey? Curator: Precisely! It’s a commodity embodying imperial authority. Consider how it facilitated trade, supported the military, and ultimately, fueled the Roman economy. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Understanding the materiality reframes our understanding of ancient economies and power structures.