Antoninianus of Gallienus 

Curator: Just look at this unassuming little coin! It's an Antoninianus of Gallienus, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its weathered texture. It feels like holding a piece of history, burdened with the weight of empires. Curator: Exactly! As a symbol of power and commerce, this coin circulated during a turbulent period in Roman history, a time of crisis. Editor: And it’s powerful to think about what that meant for marginalized people. This wasn’t just currency; it was a tool of control, shaping social hierarchies and perpetuating inequalities. Curator: It’s strange how a simple portrait can speak volumes about ambition, power, and even the fleeting nature of earthly things. Imagine who held this, and what they bought with it! Editor: Right, what did it buy and at whose expense? How did this coin facilitate systems of oppression and wealth disparity? Curator: It's amazing that such a small object can hold so many stories and spark such complex conversations. Editor: Indeed, art is never neutral. Let's keep digging.