Antoninianus of Tacitus c. 3th century

Curator: There's something so evocative about ancient coins, isn't there? This one, an Antoninianus of Tacitus, feels like a tangible link to the past. Editor: It's got a melancholic feel to it. The wear and tear speaks volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Think of all the hands it's passed through! The imagery seems rather standard imperial iconography, but the material decay is intriguing. It invites a conversation about the passage of time and the impermanence of power. Look closely at the surface—the corrosion almost obscures the ruler's face. This hints to me at an erosion of ideals as well. Editor: Or perhaps a commentary on access. Who could hold it? Whose hands were denied its value? Curator: Good point! What do you make of the figures on the reverse? Editor: They seem to represent deities, underscoring the intertwining of imperial power and divine authority, a concept used to legitimize rulers and suppress dissent. It's a tool, really. It says "obey your ruler because he's divinely appointed." Curator: I agree! It's interesting to contemplate the political implications embedded even in such a small, seemingly simple object. Editor: Absolutely. Even this little thing held so much social meaning. Curator: Makes you think, doesn’t it?