Antoninianus of Maximian, Antioch 285 - 295

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Maximian, minted in Antioch. Editor: There is a somber mood to this coin, which I see as a reflection of power and authority through a worn, aged object. Curator: Indeed, the composition is striking—the ruler’s profile is meticulously stamped. The material gives it a particular texture. Editor: This coin also signifies the vast economic inequalities within the Roman Empire, reflecting the extraction of resources from Antioch. Curator: That’s a valid point, and it underscores the coin's role as both currency and propaganda. Editor: The Antoninianus is not merely an aesthetic piece but a cultural artifact embedded in complex power dynamics. Curator: It’s fascinating to consider how such a small object can hold so much historical weight. Editor: I agree, looking at this coin forces us to confront the past and reflect on our present.