Sestertius of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, a bronze coin, attributed to Gallienus. Its weathered surface and the faint imagery evoke a real sense of history. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about power, propaganda, and the social anxieties of the Roman Empire during a period of crisis. Consider how the emperor chose to represent himself through carefully crafted imagery, a calculated projection of authority during instability. How might this object challenge traditional narratives of Roman strength? Editor: I hadn't thought about it as a form of propaganda, especially considering its deterioration. Curator: Exactly! The very survival of this coin, its journey through time, also makes a statement about enduring power structures, even when empires crumble. It makes me wonder, what will our currency say about us in centuries to come? Editor: That's a powerful thought. Thanks for sharing! Curator: My pleasure. It is such a fascinating lens through which to view history.