Antoninianus of Numerian, Antioch 283 - 284

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus, a coin minted during the reign of Numerian. Looking at it, I am struck by the figures on the reverse. They feel almost like shadows from a distant past. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, the allure of ancient currency! I see echoes of power, Editor. This isn't just money; it's propaganda in miniature. The emperor's portrait, the divine figures...it's all carefully crafted to project an image of stability, perhaps even invincibility, in a time of considerable uncertainty. What stories do you think it tells? Editor: I guess it shows us that even small objects can carry powerful narratives. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: And that’s the magic of art, isn't it? Finding vast stories in the smallest of spaces.