Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Gallienus, a Roman coin, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The piece looks rather worn, yet there's an immediate sense of potent authority radiating from the depicted profile. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were not just currency, but vehicles for imperial propaganda. The radiate crown, for example, is a clear symbol of divinity associated with the emperor. Editor: And the image on the reverse showing what seems to be a female goddess figure, further bolsters the emperor's claim to power and legitimacy. It's about linking the emperor to established cultural narratives. Curator: Precisely. The weight of the coin, at 3.56 grams, also speaks to the economic realities of the time, and how these symbols are physically carried through society. Editor: Ultimately, this small object served as a powerful tool to shape the perceptions of the emperor. Curator: Indeed, a tangible link to the past, heavy with symbolism and political implications. Editor: Leaving us to consider how such artifacts continue to influence our understanding of history and power.