Antoninianus of Trebonianus Gallus c. 251 - 253

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Trebonianus Gallus. It’s small, silver, and well-worn. The portrait looks authoritative. What do you see in it? Curator: Coins like these are fascinating because they acted as propaganda. The image of Gallus, likely idealized, was circulated widely. This speaks to the emperor's need to project power and stability, especially during times of unrest. Editor: It’s interesting to think of something so small having such a big impact on public perception. Curator: Exactly. The coin's imagery, its material value, and its everyday use all contributed to the construction of imperial authority. Editor: I never thought about coins as tools of political messaging before. Curator: Seeing art as social and political is how we understand its role in history.