AR Gallienus 

Editor: This is a coin, AR Gallienus, by Gallienus, and it's at the Harvard Art Museums. It's tiny! What symbols or stories do you think it holds? Curator: Coins like these served as miniature billboards. The imagery, often referencing deities or imperial virtues, reinforced cultural values and the Emperor's power. Do you notice any figures or symbols that repeat in other Roman artworks? Editor: Now that you mention it, the figures do resemble some sculptures I've seen. It’s like a continuous visual language! Curator: Precisely. These symbols weren't just aesthetic; they were mnemonic devices, aiding in cultural memory and reinforcing the Empire's narrative. They spoke to the psychological needs of the time. Editor: That’s so interesting. I’ll definitely be looking at coins differently now. Curator: Indeed, these artifacts provide a fascinating window into the Roman psyche.