Antoninianus of Valerian I c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have the Antoninianus of Valerian I at the Harvard Art Museums, a silver coin. It's fascinating how such a small object carries so much weight, literally and figuratively. What can you tell me about this coin as a material object and its role in Roman society? Curator: The coin’s materiality speaks volumes. It’s not just about the silver content; it’s about the labor extracted to mine, refine, and mint it. Consider how this object, circulated across vast territories, facilitated both trade and the projection of imperial power. What does the wear and tear tell you about its journey through the hands of countless individuals? Editor: That’s really interesting; I hadn’t thought about the physical journey. Curator: Exactly! It's a tangible link to resource extraction, labor practices, and economic systems of the time. Editor: I see what you mean. I guess it highlights the connection between artistic expression, economics and the everyday lives of people, doesn’t it? Curator: Precisely, considering artistic expression is also shaped by the material means available.