Antoninianus of Gallienus 

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Gallienus, a Roman emperor. It’s small, metal, and heavily patinated. The wear really speaks to the history it has witnessed. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: Well, coins like this weren't just currency. They served as propaganda. Consider the imagery—what does it communicate about Gallienus's power and legitimacy during a period of crisis for the Roman Empire? Editor: So, this isn't just money, it's a message meant for circulation among the public? Curator: Precisely. The coin’s imagery, the emperor’s portrait, the inscribed text – all carefully crafted to project authority. Think about who would have seen and used this coin. How might it have shaped their perception of Gallienus? Editor: It makes you think about how even the smallest objects can carry immense cultural weight. Curator: Exactly. And the coin’s survival allows us to examine that weight across centuries.