Coin of Kadoi under Gallienus c. 253 - 268

Editor: This is a coin, a "Coin of Kadoi under Gallienus," and how fascinating that Gallienus himself is listed as the artist! It feels weighty, not just physically at 18 grams, but historically. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: This coin, seemingly insignificant, whispers volumes about the Roman Empire's socio-political machinery. Minted under Gallienus, its imagery would have been carefully chosen to project power and legitimacy during a period of crisis. Editor: Crisis? Curator: Yes. The mid-3rd century was turbulent, marked by barbarian invasions and internal rebellions. Coins like this were tools of propaganda, used to communicate messages of strength and stability to a fractured populace. Consider where this coin might have traveled and what hands it might have passed through! Editor: So, it's not just currency, but a statement? It's incredible to think of it circulating, carrying this message through a collapsing empire. Curator: Precisely. These objects, often overlooked, offer a tangible connection to a complex and contested past.