Antoninianus of Valerian I c. 3th century

Editor: So this is an Antoninianus, a coin featuring Valerian I, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s so small, yet it feels like it carries the weight of an empire. What stories do you think this coin whispers, curator? Curator: Ah, whispers indeed! For me, it’s not just metal, it’s a pocket-sized propaganda machine. Imagine, every transaction, a tiny reminder of Valerian's power, staring back at you. What do you make of the figure on the reverse? Editor: It almost looks like they're holding a spear, a symbol of strength and maybe war? Curator: Precisely! It's clever how such a small object could be laden with such potent symbolism. I wonder who last held this coin, what they bought, and if they ever imagined we'd be pondering it centuries later! Thanks for helping me ponder this.