Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Gallienus, a Roman coin, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Its weight is 3.51 grams. Editor: There's something melancholic about holding something so small yet laden with history. You can feel the wear. Curator: It’s a fascinating artifact, isn't it? Roman coinage was a powerful tool for disseminating imperial imagery and ideology. Editor: Absolutely. This isn't just money; it’s propaganda. The image of Gallienus served to reinforce his power. Curator: Precisely. Consider the political and social turmoil of Gallienus's reign. Coinage served as a reminder of imperial authority. Editor: A reminder, or perhaps a desperate attempt to assert control during a period defined by plague and political instability. Curator: Indeed, the value of this coin transcends its monetary worth. It’s a tangible connection to a complex past. Editor: It makes me think about how we construct and perpetuate power even today through the images we circulate. Curator: An enduring and relevant question raised by this humble coin. Editor: It’s incredible how such a small object can speak volumes about power, identity, and survival.