As of Valerian I c. 256 - 257

Curator: Holding this coin, "As of Valerian I," weighing just over six grams, feels like touching a whisper of history, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. The oxidation gives it this incredible aged look—like I'm staring into a murky pool of time. Curator: Coins like this served as miniature billboards. They were powerful tools of imperial propaganda. They circulated widely and showcased the emperor's image. Editor: So, this isn't just currency; it's a pocket-sized piece of political theater. Curator: Precisely! Each citizen carrying this coin was also carrying Valerian's image. Editor: It’s amazing to think how many hands this passed through. Each touch, each transaction, adding to its story. Curator: Yes, and how it speaks volumes about the intersection of art, power, and the everyday lives of people in the Roman Empire. Editor: It truly makes you consider the weight of history in even the smallest objects.