Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Claudius II Gothicus, its metallic surface weathered by time. What can this small object tell us? Curator: Coins are never just currency; they're potent propaganda tools. Claudius Gothicus, reigning during a period of intense crisis for the Roman Empire, used coinage to broadcast power and legitimacy. Consider the iconography, what narratives do you think it attempts to construct and for whom? Editor: I see. The coin’s durability connects Claudius to the future, while its imagery connects him to the past. Curator: Precisely. Even its material signifies value and control. Reflect on how seemingly simple objects reflect and shape complex power structures. Editor: It’s amazing how such a small, unassuming thing speaks volumes about history and power. Curator: Absolutely. This coin isn't just metal; it's a lens through which we can examine broader societal forces.