Coin of Nicomedia under Maximus Caesar c. 235 - 238

Curator: This is a coin of Nicomedia, minted under Maximus Caesar. Editor: There's a somber quality to this artifact—its patina whispers of centuries past. Curator: Indeed, it's more than currency; it's a statement of power, reflecting the complexities of Roman imperial authority and its self-representation. The emperor's image, the city's name – carefully chosen symbols meant to project legitimacy. Editor: I agree, though I'm drawn to how the texture and wear subtly undermine any grand claims. This tiny object embodies vast themes, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely. The weight of history in your hand. Editor: A tangible, weighty beauty.