Sestertius of Valerian c. 3th century

Editor: This is a sestertius coin of Valerian, a Roman emperor. What strikes me is how time has softened its details, yet the image of power persists. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Coins are fascinating time capsules. This sestertius, though worn, still whispers of Valerian's reign. Consider the imagery: the emperor’s portrait, likely paired with a Roman deity on the reverse. These weren't just currency; they were propaganda, visual symbols meant to project authority and stability. Editor: So, the coin's imagery was more than just decoration; it was a message? Curator: Precisely! Each symbol, chosen to resonate with the Roman psyche, reinforced Valerian’s power. Think about how images today, on our own currency, carry similar weight. What does that tell us about the enduring power of visual communication? Editor: I see what you mean. It's incredible how a small coin can reveal so much about cultural values and power. Curator: Indeed. It's a tangible link to a distant past, a reminder that images have always shaped our perceptions and beliefs.