Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Curator: This is an Antoninianus, a coin of the Roman Emperor Gallienus. Editor: It looks so incredibly worn, yet there's something compelling about its raw, aged state. Curator: These coins were integral to Roman society, depicting not just the Emperor but also various deities and allegorical figures. They were tools for propagating political and cultural messages. Editor: You can almost feel the weight of history in it. It makes you think about all the transactions it participated in. What gods or symbols do you see in its imagery? Curator: Unfortunately, much of the imagery has been lost to time and wear. The symbolism would have been readily apparent to people. Editor: It’s a powerful reminder of time's relentless effect on even the most enduring symbols of power. Curator: Indeed, a tangible link to a distant past.