Coin of Laerte under Valerian c. 253 - 260

Editor: Here we have a coin of Laerte under Valerian, a Roman coin from around the mid-3rd century. It looks so worn and small. What stories do you imagine it could tell? Curator: This coin is a powerful artifact, reflecting the politics of identity and power in the Roman Empire. Consider how Valerian, as Emperor, used coinage to disseminate his image and project authority across diverse populations. What does it mean to have his image circulate in this way? Editor: So, it’s not just about money, but about control? Curator: Precisely! Currency literally embodies the state. How does this seemingly insignificant object speak to the larger narratives of imperialism, cultural exchange, and the construction of Roman identity? By exploring the coin's circulation, we also consider the agency of those who used and interacted with it. What do you make of that? Editor: I see. It's a piece of propaganda, but also a testament to the daily lives it touched. Thanks, that makes me think about it differently. Curator: It shows how everyday objects carried powerful messages in the ancient world.