Antoninianus of Carinus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Carinus from the Harvard Art Museums. It's small and worn, but still carries a weight of history, doesn't it? What can you tell me about the socio-political context of an object like this? Curator: Coins like this were powerful tools of Roman imperial propaganda. Consider how Carinus, a short-reigning and often maligned emperor, used imagery on coinage to legitimize his rule and project an image of power. Editor: So, it’s not just about the economic value, but also about controlling the narrative? Curator: Precisely. The distribution of these coins allowed the emperor to disseminate his image and message throughout the empire, influencing public perception and solidifying his authority. What strikes you about its condition? Editor: I hadn't considered the wear as a sign of its journey! Thinking about its use as propaganda helps me see it in a new light. Curator: And understanding that interplay between power, imagery, and public reception is key to unlocking its full historical significance.