Do a quick google search on “Cultural Development” and you will find hundreds if not thousands of organizations whose aim it is to help develop modern culture. A very important way in which cultures develop is by the exchange of thoughts, art, music and culture both modern and from the past. If you look at any of today’s modern cultures you will find pieces of many different cultures, in some cases you can trace back modern culture to HUNDREDS of other cultures. This is healthy, it is how mankind grows and develops.
Coins were conveniently designed to be portable. They were also used as a method of cultural exchange and communication. To place restrictions on their ownership because they are “cultural property” not only goes against their original purpose but also can affect the cultural diversity and evolution of future generations. These minor objects from antiquity influence the cultural identity of those that possess them. (How many artists, archaeologists, historians and other professionals were inspired to enter their fields because they once held and/or owned a small disk of metal which inspired them?) They serve as a tactile lesson in history, geopolitics and art history to name a few. They can also serve as reminders of cultural heritage and identity.
A denarius of Vespasian commemorating the historical event of the defeat and captivity of Judaea in 70 AD. At least tens of thousands (if not more) exist. Of little or no importance if left in "context" in a farmers field but an incredibly powerful tool as a tactile learning aid or a reminder to some of their cultural heritage and identity.
