Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus coin of Claudius II Gothicus. The green patina suggests it's made of bronze. It's so small, yet it held so much power at one point. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were propaganda. Claudius II needed to re-establish stability after a period of crisis. The coin would have been distributed widely. Editor: So, it's about image control and power? Curator: Exactly! The emperor's image was a powerful tool to project strength and legitimacy. Who controlled the mint, controlled the narrative, in some ways. What do you think people thought of this coin when they first saw it? Editor: That's interesting to consider. I never thought about coins having this kind of purpose before. Curator: It is a good reminder that art is often tied to larger social, political, and economic forces.