Antoninianus of Valerian I (?) 

Curator: This is an Antoninianus, likely of Valerian I, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the patina. The verdigris hints at the coin’s long journey through time, a testament to its materiality and interaction with the elements. Curator: These coins functioned as a key component of the Roman monetary system. Their imagery served as imperial propaganda, circulating messages of power and authority throughout the empire. Editor: Indeed. The debasement of the silver content over time reveals the social and economic pressures facing the Roman Empire. It is a material reflection of policy. Curator: Absolutely. The very act of holding this coin connects us to the political and economic realities of the 3rd century, and the emperor's image conveyed control. Editor: I appreciate how the transformation of the metal speaks volumes about the coin's life, its history etched into its surface. Curator: A fascinating artifact offering insights into the political landscape of ancient Rome. Editor: A tangible link to the past. I am left pondering the hands that once held it.