Antoninianus of Maximian, Cyzicus 295 - 299

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Maximian from Cyzicus. What strikes me is how a tiny coin can carry so much history. What symbolic weight does it hold, in your opinion? Curator: It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Coins weren't just currency; they were potent propaganda. Look closely. What do you see depicted? Consider how these figures and inscriptions broadcast power and legitimacy. How does the imagery reinforce Maximian's authority? Editor: I see figures shaking hands. Maybe this represents unity? Curator: Indeed. The clasped hands often symbolized concordia, or harmony, particularly between rulers. Think about what messages Maximian wanted to convey, and how these symbols worked to embed that message into the cultural memory. Editor: So, this small coin is a powerful reminder of how symbols communicate ideas and maintain power. Curator: Precisely. It's a microcosm of Roman imperial ambition and ideology.