Antoninianus of Tetricus I 270 - 273

Editor: This is an Antoninianus, a Roman coin, of Tetricus I. It's fascinating to see how the material and the images have degraded over time. What can this coin tell us about its historical context? Curator: Coins like this served as powerful propaganda tools. Mass produced and widely circulated, they communicated the emperor’s image and authority. Consider how this particular coin, issued during a period of political instability, might have been used to project an image of power and legitimacy. What do you notice about the imagery? Editor: I see a figure with what looks like sun rays emanating from his head. Is this how Roman emperors were typically depicted? Curator: The radiate crown was a common symbol of imperial power, linking the emperor to the sun god Sol. Its presence here reinforces Tetricus's claim to authority. How do you think the public viewed these images during such turbulent times? Editor: It’s a stark reminder of how rulers used imagery to maintain control, even when their grip was tenuous. I hadn't considered how something so small could carry so much political weight. Curator: Exactly. This coin exemplifies how art reflects and shapes social and political realities. It's not just a piece of currency, it's a historical document.