Coin of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Antoninus Pius. Looking at this small, weathered object, I'm struck by its connection to power and how it has endured through time. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda, a deliberate construction of imperial identity. Think about the figure depicted. What does their pose suggest about Roman values and dominance? How does its circulation reinforce that power structure? Editor: It’s interesting how something so small could carry such weight. I’m thinking about how these images impacted individuals’ perceptions of power. Curator: Precisely! And whose perceptions mattered most? This coin speaks volumes about the socio-political landscape of the Roman Empire and those who were included—or excluded—from its narrative. Editor: Thanks, that's given me a lot to think about.