Antoninianus of Philip I c. 244 - 249

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus, a coin of sorts, by Philip I, also known as Philip the Arab. The details are incredibly worn, and seeing this object feels like holding a whisper of history. What do you make of it? Curator: I feel like I’m peering into the past. Philip's direct involvement makes this coin a personal statement, like a miniature billboard declaring his reign. It makes me think, what would *my* coin look like? Editor: A fascinating thought! It's amazing to realize this wasn't just currency, but propaganda. Curator: Exactly! Art flattened and made pocket-sized. One side showing what the Emperor wanted you to think of him. Makes you think about how we try to control our image today. Editor: I never considered the parallels. I see this little coin with new eyes. Curator: It’s amazing, isn’t it? To hold something so small, yet so resonant with the past!