Coin of Samos under Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Samos under Gallienus, its material giving it such a timeworn look. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin represents more than just currency; it's a statement of power and identity in a tumultuous period of Roman history. Gallienus sought to legitimize his rule amidst crisis, and this coin, minted in Samos, likely served to connect him with the local population and their cultural heritage. Editor: How so? Curator: The imagery, perhaps a local temple, interwoven with Gallienus’s image, speaks to a negotiation of power. How does situating the coin within broader intersectional narratives impact our understanding? Editor: I guess it highlights how even something as small as a coin can tell us about identity and politics in ancient Rome. Curator: Exactly. It challenges us to consider whose stories are told and how they are told, even through something as seemingly mundane as currency.