Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin, supposedly made by Gallienus himself, it's small, and the material looks like it’s taken quite a beating over the years. What can you tell me about this type of artwork? Curator: Coins such as this served as a powerful tool for disseminating political messages and shaping public perception. Each coin presented an opportunity to reinforce the emperor's image and project certain virtues. What does the imagery suggest to you? Editor: I guess that they have a god on the reverse side to align the Emperor with the divine. Curator: Precisely! This visual strategy connected the emperor to the established religious beliefs, conveying a sense of legitimacy. These coins offer insight into the socio-political dynamics of the Roman Empire. Has your perception of the coin changed? Editor: Definitely, it feels like a piece of propaganda now. Curator: Exactly, by examining the symbols and figures, we can decipher the intended messages and their impact on society.