Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have the Antoninianus of Gallienus, a coin from ancient times. It appears worn, yet the images still convey a sense of power. What visual elements stand out to you? Curator: Notice the radiate crown. It's not just decoration; it symbolizes divinity, connecting the emperor to the sun god, Sol. What emotions does this evoke in you, knowing this symbol was meant to inspire awe and obedience? Editor: It feels like propaganda, linking authority to something beyond human power. Curator: Precisely. Currency wasn’t just money; it was a tool for shaping perception. What lasting impressions does this reveal about cultural memory? Editor: I see the way symbols can persist and transform over millennia. It's fascinating.