Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Curator: This is an Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus, a coin from his reign, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs just over 3 grams. Editor: It looks worn, almost smooth. The patina creates a sense of depth, but the image itself is quite faint. Curator: Coins like this were more than just currency. The imagery of the emperor served as a powerful symbol of authority and continuity, circulating throughout the empire. Editor: The circular form is interesting too. The coin’s rounded edges are almost a frame, directing attention to the effigy and text which sadly are too worn to read properly. Curator: Exactly. The wear suggests it was well-circulated, changing hands many times. Each touch imbuing it with countless stories. Editor: I see that now. The worn design adds to its character, creating a contrast between the original intention and the current state. Curator: It's a tangible link to a distant past. Imagine what it could tell us about that time. Editor: That's true. I had not initially considered the object’s symbolic meaning.