Antoninianus of Gordian III 240

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Gordian III from the Harvard Art Museums, a small coin likely used as currency. Given its age and wear, what can we learn about the role this object played? Curator: Coins like this weren't just money. They were carefully controlled propaganda. The emperor's image and symbols advertised his power and legitimacy across the vast Roman Empire. How do you think the message changes when the coin is damaged like this one? Editor: Perhaps the damage suggests a weakening of that power, or a challenge to the emperor's authority? Curator: Precisely. Even in its deteriorated state, this coin speaks volumes about the intersection of economics, politics, and public image in ancient Rome. Studying its circulation patterns tells us about trade and cultural exchange. Editor: That's fascinating. I never considered how much history a simple coin could hold.