Antoninianus of Herennia Etruscilla 

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Herennia Etruscilla, a Roman empress. The worn metal gives it a weighty, almost ghostly feel. What symbols speak to you in this piece? Curator: I see power meticulously crafted into miniature form. The empress's portrait, though stylized, seeks to project authority, while the figure on the reverse likely represents a deity, promising divine favor and reinforcing her legitimacy. Consider how potent these symbols would have been in everyday exchange. Editor: So the imagery was a form of propaganda, even on something as small as a coin? Curator: Precisely. Currency wasn't just for commerce; it was a constant, portable reminder of the ruling power and its connection to the divine. The images served as cultural anchors, reinforcing societal values and beliefs. Editor: That’s fascinating – a pocket-sized symbol of Roman power. Thanks for sharing! Curator: Indeed. The endurance of symbols speaks volumes.