Dupondius of Mariniana, wife of Valerian 253 - 257

Curator: Looking at this dupondius of Mariniana, wife of Valerian, I can't help but see echoes of power, subtly communicated through this small object. Editor: Yes, a coin—a little rusty, a bit worn, but still shimmering with echoes of a queen. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were not just currency, they were potent symbols. The image of Mariniana would have been instantly recognizable, signifying the legitimacy of her husband’s rule. Think of the weight in those symbols. Editor: Indeed. The portrait presents a carefully constructed image of imperial virtue, even if time has eroded the crispness of its lines. The very act of depicting her on coinage elevates her status, aligning her image with the stability of the empire. It's a story etched in bronze, wouldn't you say? Curator: It is a story and also a feeling. It invites us to touch history, to remember that power always finds a way to communicate, even through the smallest of things. Editor: Beautifully put. A miniature monument to a life lived in the grand theater of Roman power.