Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Gallienus. Looking at it, the wear and patina give it an almost ghostly feel. What kind of stories do you think these images were meant to tell? Curator: The Antoninianus, beyond its monetary value, served as a powerful propaganda tool. The imagery of deities, like the stag, wasn't arbitrary. It carried potent symbolic weight, often associated with Diana, goddess of the hunt and moon, suggesting imperial favor and divine protection. What emotional connection do you think the Roman populace had to such imagery? Editor: I imagine it was a way to connect with and perhaps even deify their ruler. Curator: Precisely. These symbols acted as cultural touchstones, reinforcing shared beliefs and imperial authority. This coin is a lens through which we can examine the psychological landscape of the Roman Empire. Editor: So much meaning packed into such a small object! Curator: Indeed. Each image element provides rich information on the cultural memory of the Roman empire.