As of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: Before us, we have a coin "As of Antoninus Pius" from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a weathered bronze, isn’t it? Dark, almost somber. Editor: The patinated surface definitely speaks of time, labor, and the elements. One wonders about the mining of the metals, the striking of the coin, and its circulation. Curator: And about the power structures inherent in that circulation. Antoninus Pius’s image, reproduced en masse, wasn't just currency; it was a constant assertion of imperial authority, a symbol of Roman dominance in every exchange. Editor: Precisely. We must also consider the craft, the skill required to produce such detailed imagery on such a small scale, and the role that those craftspeople played in perpetuating the empire's visual language. Curator: Absolutely. This coin, though small, connects us to grand narratives of power, identity, and the human cost of empire. Editor: Indeed, a fascinating piece to consider.