Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Gallienus, whose date of creation is unknown, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The coin’s weathered surface holds whispers of the past. What symbolic weight did these coins carry during Gallienus' reign? Curator: Coins like these, beyond their monetary value, served as powerful tools of propaganda. The imagery and inscriptions reinforced the emperor's power and divine right to rule. Editor: Divine right? Curator: Consider the sun imagery often found on coins of this era. This evokes Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun, positioning Gallienus within a cosmological order. These symbols tapped into deep-seated beliefs, creating cultural continuity. Editor: So, they are not just coins, but little cultural carriers. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, each one a miniature window into the Roman psyche. It's fascinating, isn't it?