Antoninianus of Gallienus, uncertain mint c. 253 - 268

Curator: This is an Antoninianus, a coin of the Roman Emperor Gallienus. It’s part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Wow, it looks ancient! Weathered and worn, like it carries the weight of centuries. Curator: Precisely! Coins like this weren't just currency, they were propaganda, circulating the emperor's image and projecting power throughout the empire. Editor: It’s incredible to think of this tiny metal object influencing so many lives, reflecting political agendas and perhaps even the daily anxieties of ordinary people. I wonder what hands it passed through. Curator: Indeed, it's a tangible connection to a distant past, offering insights into Roman governance and imperial ambitions. Editor: A little piece of history, right here. It makes you feel like you can reach out and touch another lifetime.