Dupondius? of Valerian I c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Dupondius of Valerian I from the Harvard Art Museums. Even with its weathered surface, the coin speaks volumes. What can you tell us about the social and political context that shaped such an artifact? Curator: Coins are powerful tools of propaganda. The portrait of Valerian I on this dupondius served to project imperial authority throughout the Roman empire. What stories do you think it told the people? Editor: That is very interesting. I suppose its creation was as much about shaping public perception as it was about currency. Curator: Exactly. And the value we place on this object now speaks to its staying power as a artifact. Editor: I never considered money as propaganda. Thank you for this new perspective.