Antoninianus of Claudius II c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Claudius II, a Roman coin currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking how much history is etched onto this small, weathered coin. Its very existence speaks to power, trade, and the passage of time. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery, though worn, provides symbolic clues about the emperor's reign. The radiate crown, for instance, signified a connection to the sun god Sol, reinforcing Claudius's authority. Editor: And beyond that assertion of power, I wonder about the countless hands this coin has passed through, the transactions it facilitated, and the lives it touched across different social strata. What did it mean for people then? Curator: I think the coin was a constant reminder of the emperor's presence and legitimacy, acting as a small piece of propaganda. It served as a powerful tool of communication. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how such a small object can hold so much weight, reflecting the socio-political currents of an era. Curator: Indeed, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of symbols and the stories they carry. Editor: I agree; it's a little monument to human connection.