Antoninianus of Valerian I c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Valerian I, housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s a poignant object, isn’t it? Considering its modest size, there's an immediate sense of impermanence. Curator: Absolutely. As a material object, this coin speaks volumes about the economic and social systems of the Roman Empire. Its production, circulation, and eventual deposition all have narratives to tell. Editor: It certainly prompts us to consider what and whose stories are deemed worthy of immortalization. This coin reflects the values and power structures inherent in Roman society, doesn't it? Who was excluded from this narrative? Curator: I agree, thinking about its materiality, we can even infer details about the division of labor within the mint itself. Each step in the process–from smelting the ore to striking the final image – involved skilled workers whose contributions are often overlooked. Editor: A powerful reminder that even seemingly simple objects can contain complex layers of meaning, revealing the social, political, and economic dynamics of their time. Curator: Exactly, something to consider when analyzing the piece. Editor: Precisely.