Coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Herennius Etruscus c. 251

Curator: This is a coin from Thessalonike, issued during the reign of the Emperor Herennius Etruscus. Editor: It has such a weathered, almost ghostly quality to it. The verdigris lends it an ethereal feel. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these were not merely currency; they were instruments of imperial propaganda and civic pride. Editor: That makes me think about whose image was deemed worthy to circulate, who had power over such decisions, and whose stories are left out. Curator: Precisely. The imagery and inscriptions served to legitimize Etruscus's rule and connect it to the prosperity of Thessalonike. Editor: Beyond the implied power dynamics, this coin also speaks to something so fundamentally human: the desire to leave a mark, to be remembered. Curator: And in a way, this small coin has succeeded, hasn’t it? It offers a tangible link to a distant past, allowing us to reflect on themes of governance, legacy, and the enduring human condition. Editor: Absolutely. It's a powerful reminder that even the smallest artifacts can carry profound stories, reflecting both the achievements and the exclusions of history.