Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: So, this is an Antoninianus of Gallienus. It's a coin, so small and unassuming, but it feels weighty, historically. What can we learn from this? Curator: This coin, seemingly insignificant, speaks volumes about power and representation. Consider Gallienus’s image stamped onto currency – a deliberate act to project authority amidst political instability. How might this relate to contemporary issues of leadership and propaganda? Editor: That’s fascinating. It’s like he's trying to control his narrative, right? Did people believe it? Curator: The very act of circulating this image fostered a dialogue about power. Whether believed or questioned, it engaged people in a visual rhetoric, shaping perceptions of leadership and empire. What does it mean to see power so literally stamped onto value? Editor: I never thought about coins as being part of propaganda and control. Thanks!