Antoninianus of Maximian, Cyzicus 295 - 299

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the patinated surface, its deep brown hues, seemingly untouched by cleaning. Editor: Indeed. Here we have an Antoninianus of Maximian, Cyzicus, a coin minted during his reign as Roman Emperor. These coins served as potent tools of imperial propaganda. Curator: Look at the incuse relief, its bold, deliberate lines. The contrast between the portrait on one side and the figures on the other must have been very striking when new. Editor: Precisely. Coins like this were distributed widely, acting as miniature billboards. The imagery reinforced Maximian's power and legitimacy across the empire. Curator: The weight of this coin, just over three grams, speaks to its transactional function, its economic role. But it's also an object imbued with political meaning. Editor: A fascinating example of form meeting function, where artistic skill and imperial authority converge. Curator: Reflecting on its texture and design invites a renewed appreciation for the artistry embedded in everyday objects. Editor: And it is a reminder of the pervasive influence of political messaging throughout history.