Antoninianus of Valerian I c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Valerian I, a Roman coin, from the Harvard Art Museums. The wear on it is striking. What symbols do you see embedded in this object? Curator: Ah, yes, the symbols. Consider how currency operates, then and now. On one side, we see Valerian, his portrait meant to embody imperial authority and project an image of power. What feelings does his image evoke? Editor: Integrity? A sense of duty, perhaps? Curator: And on the reverse, the depiction of deities or allegorical figures reinforces the emperor's connection to divine favor and the prosperity of the empire. So, this coin is not just currency; it's a propaganda tool, a tangible symbol of Roman power and cultural memory. Editor: Fascinating. I never thought about currency being propaganda. Curator: Indeed. Every scratch and mark speaks of trade, exchange, and the slow march of time, a potent reminder of the emperor's enduring legacy. Editor: I'll certainly look at coins differently now. Thanks!