coin of Claudius II? 

Editor: Here we have a coin, tentatively identified as belonging to Claudius II Gothicus. Its worn surface makes me think about the lives and hands it must have passed through. What symbols do you see embedded within this artifact? Curator: Notice the way the Emperor's image, though faded, retains a certain authority. It reflects the persistent human need to embody power. The reverse shows allegorical figures. Editor: Allegorical? Curator: Yes, personifications of concepts like Victory, echoing through cultures, don’t you think? The coin becomes a miniature stage for the performance of Roman ideals. Editor: So, it's not just currency, but a potent symbol? Curator: Exactly. Even in its current state, it carries the weight of Roman history and ambition. I hadn’t thought of it that way before. Editor: Fascinating! This really changes how I look at ancient coins.