Antoninianus of Trebonianus Gallus c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Trebonianus Gallus, a Roman coin. Its worn surface makes me think about the weight of history it carries. What symbols do you see in it? Curator: Look closely at the emperor's portrait. The radiate crown signifies his divine association with the sun god, Sol. Even the act of depiction becomes symbolic, claiming power and legitimacy. What emotions does this imagery evoke in you? Editor: A sense of enduring power, despite the coin's physical decay. Almost a ghostly presence. Curator: Precisely. The imagery transcends mere representation, becoming a potent symbol of Roman authority, persisting even as empires crumble. Editor: I hadn’t considered the crown as a claim to power in itself! Curator: It's a fascinating reminder of how images can carry layered meanings across time.