Antoninianus of Maximian, Cyzicus 295 - 299

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Maximian, crafted in Cyzicus, a coin now held at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels incredibly weighty, not just in material but in its historical presence. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: Well, these coins weren't simply currency. They were tools of imperial propaganda. Consider where they were circulated, their availability, and the message they conveyed through imagery and inscription. How did this affect perceptions of power? Editor: So, it's not just about the coin's value, but what it communicated? Curator: Exactly! The very act of distribution was a political statement, shaping the public's understanding and acceptance of Maximian's rule. Food for thought, isn't it? Editor: Definitely changes how I see it! Thanks!