Antoninianus of Gallienus 

Curator: This is an Antoninianus coin, issued during the reign of Gallienus. It’s a small object, just under 4 grams, currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks incredibly weathered. Almost ghostly, with those faint traces of green and red, whispering of history. Curator: These coins were vital tools for Roman emperors. They distributed the emperor's image and conveyed political messages. It’s all about manipulating public perception. Editor: And it's interesting how this one has physically eroded, mirroring how political power and ideologies can crumble over time. Its symbolic weight hasn’t diminished. Curator: Indeed, this small coin evokes the sweep of Roman history and the enduring power of imagery. Editor: It’s a poignant reminder that even the smallest artifact can hold vast cultural and psychological meaning.