Antoninianus of Tacitus c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Tacitus, a small coin held by the Harvard Art Museums. It feels weighty, like a tangible piece of history. What can you tell me about its cultural role? Curator: Coins served as critical propaganda tools. Tacitus, a short-reigning emperor, needed to legitimize his rule quickly. How do you think imagery like this helped him do that? Editor: I guess circulating his portrait would familiarize people with his face and project power? Curator: Exactly. And consider the figure on the reverse – what message does depicting Providentia, or foresight, send about his leadership? Editor: That he's thinking about the future, being responsible? I hadn't thought about it that way. Curator: These coins weren't just currency; they were carefully crafted messages shaping public perception. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll never look at old money the same way again.