Antoninianus of Claudius II c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin, attributed to Claudius II Gothicus. The green patina makes it look like it was pulled straight from the earth. What stands out to you from a formalist perspective? Curator: The coin's circular form is fundamental. Observe how the obverse and reverse designs are contained within this perfect geometry, yet the corrosion disrupts this idealized shape. Note the contrasting textures, the smooth portrait versus the rough, corroded surfaces. Editor: So, the tension between the intended design and its current state is significant? Curator: Precisely. The very materiality—the bronze alloy and its transformation over time—becomes a central element of its aesthetic impact. The patination is not merely decay, but a layer of visual complexity, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: My pleasure.