fraction of Galerius, Cyzicus c. 295 - 299

Editor: Here we have a coin, a fraction of Galerius, Cyzicus, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like it's been through a lot, and I wonder what it was used for. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin, though small, speaks volumes about power and representation. It’s crucial to recognize that even everyday objects like coins were tools of propaganda. Galerius, like other emperors, used his image to project authority and legitimacy. Editor: So, the coin itself becomes a political statement? Curator: Exactly. The image of Galerius, likely idealized, and the imagery on the reverse—perhaps depicting a military victory or divine figures—reinforced his position within the Roman social and political order. Think of it as early advertising, shaping public perception. Editor: That's fascinating; it gives me a new perspective on something I would have just seen as old money. Curator: Indeed, understanding the historical and social context transforms our understanding of this small object. It encourages us to critically examine the power dynamics embedded within visual culture.