Antoninianus, 3rd century 

Curator: This is an Antoninianus coin from the 3rd century, struck under Claudius II Gothicus. It's a rather humble artifact at 3.1 grams, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Its patinated surface and worn details evoke a powerful sense of antiquity. The composition seems basic—a bust on one side, a temple-like structure on the other. Curator: These coins were mass-produced to pay the Roman army. Their debased silver content reflects the economic stresses of the time, revealing the state's struggle to maintain its military. Editor: I see the crude engraving, the low relief. Yet, within these limitations, a compelling image is evoked, hinting at idealized power struggling against material reality. Curator: Exactly. It's a tangible link to the Roman monetary system, telling a story of inflation, imperial ambition, and the daily lives of soldiers and merchants. Editor: This small coin speaks volumes about the rise and fall of empires. Curator: Indeed, a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of economic forces and artistic production. Editor: It's a fascinating visual study of power and its limitations.