Antoninianus of Numerian, Rome 282 - 283

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Numerian, struck in Rome during his brief reign. What grabs you first about this humble coin? Editor: Immediately, I see power and authority represented through symbolic imagery, even in this worn state. The figure on the reverse… is that Victory? Curator: Quite possibly! But let's consider the coin's function. It’s a Roman denomination valued for its silver content. Its production and distribution were tightly controlled by the state. Editor: Yes, and the image of Victory reinforces Roman imperial ideology. Numerian's portrait embodies traits deemed desirable in a leader—strength, wisdom, military prowess, all packaged into a portable, reproducible form. Curator: The coin speaks volumes about labor, extraction, and the Roman economy. It is not just art, but infrastructure. Editor: Indeed, a fascinating convergence of propaganda and practicality. Curator: I’ll remember that the next time I reach into my pocket.