Denarius of M. Aurelius Cotta, Rome c. 139

Curator: Here we have a denarius, a Roman silver coin. It was crafted by M. Aurelius Cotta, a moneyer in Rome. Editor: It's striking how much detail they managed on such a small surface. The lines are quite sharp. Curator: It circulated in a time of major political upheaval. Moneyers like Cotta were important figures, responsible for maintaining the state's finances and projecting imperial power. Editor: Note the figure of Roma on one side, and then the quadriga – a four-horse chariot – on the other. The composition has classical balance, even if the wear has softened the edges a little. Curator: These images weren't just decoration; they were powerful symbols. Roma embodies the state, while the chariot scenes often allude to military victories and the emperor's authority. Coinage played a crucial role in disseminating propaganda and reinforcing Roman identity across its vast empire. Editor: Absolutely. The iconography itself is a language. The medium is the message, as they say. Curator: Indeed. It's fascinating to consider how this small piece of metal connected individuals to a much larger political and cultural landscape. Editor: Seeing such intention rendered in miniature offers a unique insight into the Roman worldview.