Coin of Nicomedia under Valerian I c. 253 - 260

Editor: This is a coin of Nicomedia under Valerian I, it's hard to make out the details, but I am struck by how this small object can tell us so much. What stories does it hold? Curator: Consider the power dynamics inherent in imperial portraiture. This coin isn’t just currency, it’s propaganda. How does it shape and reinforce Valerian's authority and legitimacy amidst the social and political unrest of the Roman Empire? Editor: So, it’s not just about value, but about control? Curator: Precisely. Reflect on who had access to this image and the message it conveyed about Roman power. The coin speaks volumes about identity, power, and the narratives that empires construct and disseminate. Editor: It makes me think differently about these artifacts. Curator: Indeed, viewing art through an intersectional lens encourages us to examine the complexities of history and power, and to challenge conventional understandings.