Antoninianus of Alexandria under Maximian 296 - 297

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin from Alexandria, crafted under Maximian. It's small, but dense with history. What strikes me is how much it speaks of power and empire, even in its weathered state. What symbolic language do you see embedded within it? Curator: Coins are potent carriers of meaning. Consider the portrait of Maximian himself. It embodies the authority of the emperor, projecting strength and legitimacy. Do you see any other symbols of power at play? What about the reverse side? Editor: I see what looks like figures, perhaps deities or allegorical representations? Curator: Precisely. Coinage frequently invokes divine figures to reinforce the ruler's connection to the cosmos. It's about visually anchoring power through enduring symbols, creating a cultural memory. Editor: It’s fascinating how such a small object carries so much symbolic weight. Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to consider the enduring human need to create meaning through images, even on something as commonplace as a coin.