Antoninianus of Philip I, Rome 246

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Philip I, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m struck by the contrast between the detailed portrait and the worn surface. What symbolic weight did images like these carry? Curator: These coins weren't just currency; they were powerful tools of propaganda. Philip’s portrait, adorned with a radiate crown, declares his authority and divine connection. What figure do you see on the reverse? Editor: It looks like a standing figure. Maybe a god or personification of an abstract concept? Curator: Precisely. Images of deities like Pax or Virtus invoked specific virtues the Emperor wished to associate with his reign. These symbols were carefully chosen to project power, stability, and legitimacy throughout the Roman Empire. Editor: So each element serves a purpose, carefully designed to broadcast a message. Curator: Indeed. Examining the iconography reveals the values and anxieties of the time, a potent reminder of how images shape our perceptions of power.