Post-reform radiate fraction of Galerius, Cyzicus 295 - 299

Editor: Here we have a post-reform radiate fraction of Galerius from Cyzicus. It’s small and worn, but you can still make out the figures. What can you tell us about this coin? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were powerful tools of propaganda. Consider the imagery: it's carefully chosen to project the emperor's power and legitimacy. How might the average citizen in Cyzicus have interpreted these images? Editor: It's interesting to think about how something so small could carry so much political weight. I hadn't considered the political messaging of everyday objects like this. Curator: Exactly. And who controlled the narrative represented on these coins? The state, naturally. Think about who *wasn't* represented. What does that tell us? Editor: So much more than just its face value. Thanks for the insights. Curator: Indeed, coins offer a fascinating lens through which to view the socio-political landscape of the Roman Empire.