Coin of Thessalonike under Maximinus I c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Thessalonike under Maximinus I. It feels weighty, not just in grams but historically. What narratives do you see embedded in this object? Curator: This coin, seemingly small, speaks volumes about power, representation, and the lived experiences of people under Roman rule. Consider how Maximinus, a Thracian soldier who rose through the ranks, used coinage to legitimize his authority. How does this contrast with his actual policies? Editor: So, the image on the coin is a form of propaganda? Curator: Precisely. Think about how the depiction of power intersects with the everyday lives of people who used this coin. What stories did these coins carry as they circulated? Editor: It makes you consider the power dynamics inherent in even the smallest objects. Curator: Absolutely. It's a reminder that even in antiquity, representation and power were intertwined, shaping identities and experiences.