Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus c. 3th century

Curator: This is an Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Think of it as an ancient Roman coin, a tiny window into a massive empire. Editor: My first thought? Intensely weathered, but there's something hauntingly beautiful about the wear and tear. It looks like it has had quite a story... or many stories. Curator: Indeed. The imagery, even faded, carries potent symbols. We see the radiate crown, a clear association with sun worship and divine power, which was typical of coins of this era. Editor: And on the other side, a bird that looks like an eagle? Eagles were often emblems of power in the Roman empire, so it's probably that! Curator: Precisely. It speaks to the ambition of emperors like Claudius II Gothicus to establish legacies through everyday objects that circulated far and wide. Editor: It's fascinating how such a small object can evoke grand themes of power, religion, and legacy, all condensed into something you could hold in your hand. Curator: It’s like holding a whisper of history. Editor: Exactly, and sometimes the quietest voices are the most profound.