Antoninianus of Tacitus c. 3th century

Curator: Looking at this Antoninianus of Tacitus, the immediate impression is of time's impact. It's aged and worn, yet there's a stoic presence embedded in the metal. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how these coins functioned within the socio-political landscape of ancient Rome, not merely as currency, but as tools of propaganda. Curator: Exactly, the portraiture itself becomes a site where power and identity intersect. How did Tacitus wish to be seen and remembered, particularly given his brief reign? This piece speaks volumes about the construction of leadership. Editor: And the very survival of this coin raises questions about how objects accrue value and meaning over centuries, influencing our understanding of history. Curator: True, its materiality connects us to the lived experiences of those who used it, offering a tactile link to the past, even as its symbolic weight echoes into the present. Editor: I agree, analyzing the public role of artifacts like this allows for critical engagement with our own social structures. Curator: It’s remarkable how this small object encapsulates such expansive narratives. Editor: Absolutely, it shows us that even the smallest things can hold immense historical significance.