Antoninianus of Volusian c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Volusian, a small coin residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It looks aged, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely. It has an aura of ancient power, a pocket-sized echo of Roman authority. The patina is a landscape of time. Curator: Indeed. Notice the composition; the obverse features a bust of Volusian, rendered with surprisingly sharp detail for its scale and wear. The reverse shows a figure, possibly a deity. Editor: The deity figure has significance. It is, perhaps, a symbol of security and abundance the emperor wishes to project. The coin acts as a tactile symbol of Roman values. Curator: Yes, and the material itself—the silver alloy—speaks to value, both monetary and symbolic. The coin’s circular form, divided into two distinct fields, creates a balanced visual dialogue. Editor: I wonder what hands this small object passed through, what events it bore witness to. These symbols carry a heavy cultural weight. Curator: Precisely. The craftsmanship and iconography offer us unique insights into an emperor and his empire. Editor: It gives one much to ponder.