Antoninianus of Diocletian, Carthage c. 4th - 5th century

Curator: Here we have a fascinating artifact: an Antoninianus of Diocletian, minted in Carthage. Imagine the hands it passed through! Editor: My first thought? It's a time capsule, whispering stories of empire and trade. That weathered surface—it feels like the very weight of history. Curator: It does, doesn't it? This coin, likely copper alloy, would have been used during Diocletian’s reign, a period of significant reform within the Roman Empire. Editor: Diocletian, of course, known for splitting the empire into East and West. The imagery on this coin—the laurel wreath, the emperor's profile—they all speak to power, legitimacy, and the visual language of authority. Curator: Precisely! Diocletian was a master of propaganda. And this little coin? It’s a potent symbol of his efforts to restore order. A tangible link to a pivotal moment. Editor: A reminder that even small objects can carry immense historical weight. It's a privilege to be in its presence, reflecting on the echoes of emperors and the stories embedded within.