Antoninianus of Claudius II c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Claudius II. It’s small, bronze, and quite worn. It evokes a sense of the vastness of time. What historical narratives do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: This coin, though small, speaks volumes about power, representation, and the Roman Empire’s reach. Consider how images of emperors were circulated, solidifying their authority. How might this coin have been perceived by different individuals within the empire, and what does its current deteriorated state tell us about the longevity and fragility of power? Editor: So, it’s not just money, but also propaganda. Curator: Precisely. It’s a material manifestation of political ideology, raising questions about who is represented and whose stories are told through objects like this. Editor: I'll definitely think about that next time I find spare change. Curator: It also makes me wonder what a contemporary coin might look like, and who would be featured on it, representing our current values.