Antoninianus of Claudius II c. 3th century

Curator: What a striking piece! This is an Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its texture. The rough, pitted surface creates such a palpable sense of age and history. Curator: Absolutely. Claudius II's reign was marked by military successes, especially against the Goths. These coins were not just currency, but potent symbols of imperial authority and military might. Their wide distribution served as propaganda, reinforcing his image. Editor: And structurally, the circular format, bisected by these two distinct images—the emperor's profile and the standing figure—offers such a neat duality. It’s a formal, contained world. Curator: Consider, though, that this was a time of crisis for the Roman Empire. The coin embodies the socio-political tensions—the emperor's face representing power, the figure perhaps alluding to Roman values needing constant defense. Editor: I appreciate how the wear and tear soften the severity of the composition. It’s a reminder that even the most potent symbols are subject to time's decay. Curator: Indeed. It’s a fascinating artifact, a tangible link to a tumultuous period. Editor: A small object, yet dense with visual and historical weight.