Antoninianus of Tetricus I 270 - 273

Curator: This is an Antoninianus, a coin minted under the reign of Tetricus I. Editor: It's incredibly small, almost fragile-looking, yet it has this weighty aura of history. Curator: Precisely! Notice the sunburst crown on the portrait of Tetricus? It symbolizes his ambition and claim to imperial authority during a tumultuous period. Editor: I'm struck by the materials: how the original metal was sourced, the labor involved in striking each coin, and the social context of using these coins in daily commerce and trade. Curator: Indeed. Beyond its material existence, this coin also represents a connection to the past, a tangible link to a bygone era. It's fascinating how a simple object can hold so much cultural memory. Editor: Ultimately, it prompts reflection on the transient nature of power and the enduring legacy of material culture.