Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus, a coin minted under Claudius II Gothicus. These coins served not just as currency, but as powerful propaganda tools. Editor: It's incredible how something so small can feel so weighty with history. The verdigris gives it this haunting presence. Curator: Absolutely. They were vital in projecting the emperor's image and authority throughout the vast Roman empire. Consider the imagery—laurels, inscriptions—all carefully crafted to convey power. Editor: And let's think about how that imagery reinforced power structures, creating a very specific narrative of leadership and control. What messages were being sent, and who was excluded from that narrative? Curator: Indeed. The coins, distributed widely, played a critical role in shaping public perception of the emperor and reinforcing the legitimacy of his rule. Editor: It reminds us that even something as mundane as currency can be a powerful tool of ideology. Food for thought next time we pay for something!