Antoninianus of Maximian, Alexandria 296 - 297

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus coin of Maximian, likely from around the late 3rd century, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The coin’s aged surface and the portrait feel very imposing. What can you tell me about the significance of this piece? Curator: Well, the Antoninianus offers insight into the Roman Empire's socio-political landscape. The very act of minting coins was an assertion of imperial authority, controlling the flow of information and value. How might the iconography have shaped public perception of Maximian? Editor: I see, so it’s not just currency, it’s also propaganda? I hadn't considered the message it sends about power and control. Curator: Precisely. Consider, too, its accessibility. Unlike grand sculptures, coins circulated widely, embedding specific messages deep within the daily lives of Roman citizens. It's a fascinating intersection of art, politics, and public life.