Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Curator: This is an Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus, a small coin now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There’s a somber feel to it, a weightiness despite its size. It feels less like currency and more like a relic. Curator: Indeed. Consider the context: Claudius II ruled during a period of crisis. The coin, debased silver or bronze, reflects the economic instability and the need to pay soldiers. Editor: The portrait, though worn, speaks volumes. Who had access to coinage? How were women, enslaved people, and foreigners represented? Curator: That's a valid point. Coinage served not just as money, but as propaganda, projecting power. It was a means of control but also a testament to craftsmanship. The very act of minting these coins, the labor involved, speaks to the vast machine of the Roman Empire. Editor: And its legacy of power, inequality, and resilience. A tiny object, yes, but a profound symbol. Curator: Yes, a testament to the enduring allure and burden of history.