Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 139

Curator: This is a sestertius, a Roman coin, actually crafted during the reign of Antoninus Pius. The material is quite fascinating, you can see the wear. Editor: Immediately, I sense the weight of empire, both literally—at 24.58 grams—and figuratively. The figure on one side seems to embody power structures of the time. Curator: Indeed. Examining the material composition and the process of minting these coins gives us insight into the economic and social structures of Roman society. Editor: Precisely! It’s a lens through which we can examine the cultural values and beliefs of the time, and consider how those systems perpetuated power. Curator: It's remarkable how objects like these—tools of exchange and power—reflect the skill of craftspeople involved. Editor: And how they shaped perceptions and reinforced hierarchies—a tangible echo of past ideologies. I leave contemplating the enduring echoes of power.