coin of Claudius II
Listen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
Editor: Here we have a coin of Claudius II Gothicus. It's small and weathered. How can we interpret this object beyond its face value? Curator: The image on a coin is rarely accidental. What does it say about the emperor's agenda, his desired public image, and the Roman empire's values at the time? Consider how this circulates amongst the population. Editor: So, it's more than just currency; it's propaganda? Curator: Exactly! How does the imagery reinforce the emperor’s power? Who is he trying to reach? What's being communicated beyond just the face value? Editor: I never thought about a coin carrying so much weight! Curator: Every artifact tells a story if you ask the right questions about its creation, circulation, and consumption.
