Antoninianus of Tetricus II 270 - 273

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Tetricus II, a small coin held in the Harvard Art Museums. The coin, made of bronze, feels incredibly worn, doesn't it? Editor: Indeed. It speaks of its age and journey, hinting at the hands it passed through and the pockets it resided within. I am curious about what economic and social power this object conveyed to its users during that time. Curator: Absolutely. As a coin issued by Tetricus II, who briefly co-ruled the breakaway Gallic Empire, it represents not just currency, but a claim to legitimacy and sovereignty during a period of intense political fragmentation. Editor: I see the imperial portrait on the obverse and what looks like a figure on the reverse. The wear obscures the details, yet somehow that erosion contributes to its narrative. It's a tangible link to the economic infrastructure of a volatile empire. Curator: Exactly. The coin offered a material, if small, form of belonging to the people. These objects acted as propagators for particular imperial ideologies. Editor: Considering its humble composition and form, it’s amazing how powerfully this little coin demonstrates the intricate connection between political power and everyday life. Curator: It really is, reminding us how even the smallest of objects can speak volumes about identity and power.