Antoninianus of Maximian, Cyzicus 295 - 299

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Maximian, created in Cyzicus. The bronze is incredibly worn, but I'm curious about its imagery. What narratives do you see embedded within it? Curator: This coin served as propaganda. The image of Maximian and another figure clasping hands wasn't just a portrait; it signified unity and power within the tetrarchy. How did this visual language reinforce the empire's social hierarchy and control? Editor: So, the coin itself becomes a tool of power, circulating not just currency, but also ideology? Curator: Precisely. It’s a potent reminder of how even small, everyday objects can be deeply intertwined with political and social structures. Editor: I never thought of a coin carrying so much weight. Thanks! Curator: It's about seeing beyond the surface. Recognizing the art as an articulation of power.