Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina 260 - 268

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina, a coin held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredible to think about the hands this little piece has passed through. What stories do you see embedded in its surface? Curator: Well, this coin isn't just currency; it's a political statement. It's an artifact reflecting Salonina's position within the Roman Empire. How do you think having her image on currency may have impacted perceptions of female power at the time? Editor: I hadn't considered that! It's fascinating to think about the deliberate choices behind its design and circulation. Curator: Exactly! By studying these objects, we can engage with complex ideas about social structures and gender roles in Roman society. Editor: That really shifts how I view this coin, it's more than just a historical artifact. Curator: Precisely! It's a lens through which we can examine power, representation, and the enduring legacy of the past.