As of Valerian I c. 3th century

Curator: This Roman coin, depicting Emperor Valerian I, is a fascinating piece of history, offering insight into the empire's economic and political structures. Editor: It looks so worn, doesn't it? The verdigris adds a patina of age, giving it a somber, almost melancholic feel. Curator: Indeed. Minted during a time of crisis, the coin itself served as propaganda, projecting imperial power and stability even as the empire faced internal strife and external threats. Editor: The imagery, though faded, still hints at the emperor's authority. Coins like these weren't just currency; they were potent symbols of Roman identity and power. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the weight and metallic composition, revealing the state's efforts to maintain economic control and project a sense of enduring strength. Editor: Looking at it now, it is interesting to think that such a small object once held so much symbolic weight.