Antoninianus of Salonina c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Salonina. It’s undated, but its creation is attributed to Salonina. It’s a small, worn coin and seeing it makes me think of the countless hands it must have passed through. What stories do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, I love that thought! I imagine this coin as a tiny time capsule. It whispers of an empire, doesn't it? Salonina was Empress during a turbulent time. This coin, likely struck to legitimize her rule, now feels like a fragile memento. Can you feel the weight of history in your hands? Editor: Absolutely. It's a tangible link to the past. I hadn't considered its role in legitimizing her rule. Curator: Exactly! Coins were propaganda, news, and art all rolled into one tiny package. Thinking about that combination makes my head spin a little with the possibilities.