Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus 

Editor: Here we have the Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus, a Roman coin. I'm struck by how much history is etched onto such a small object. What do you see in its imagery? Curator: Well, the coin itself is a symbol, a potent one. Consider the emperor’s portrait, the sun radiating from his head. It speaks of power, divinity, a carefully constructed image meant to evoke awe and loyalty. Editor: And the figure on the reverse? Curator: Likely a representation of Pax, or Peace, holding an olive branch. But even peace becomes a symbol of Roman dominance, a peace brought by conquest. The coin becomes a miniature theater of power, doesn't it? Editor: It really does reframe my idea of value. Curator: Exactly. These symbols weren't just pretty pictures. They shaped perceptions and legitimized rule.