Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Curator: Up next, we have an Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus. Editor: It looks like a forgotten relic—dark, worn, but undeniably evocative. Curator: Indeed. These coins served as propaganda. The figure on the reverse likely represents a deity, perhaps embodying victory or abundance. Editor: I find it fascinating how these small objects were powerful tools for communicating the emperor's authority and projecting imperial power, even in times of crisis. Curator: It highlights the Roman understanding of visual rhetoric. The symbols chosen, the emperor's portrait—all carefully crafted for maximum impact. Editor: This coin, though humble in appearance, speaks volumes about the intersection of power, identity, and belief in the Roman world. Curator: It makes you think about the stories each coin could tell. Editor: Absolutely, a tangible connection to a distant past.