Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina 260 - 268

Editor: Here we have the Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina from the Harvard Art Museums. The coin's heavy patination gives it a sculptural presence that belies its small size. What structural elements stand out to you? Curator: Note the circular form, bisected into obverse and reverse. The weathering acts as a textural element, obscuring the original precise engraving. The variations in color across the surface create an almost painterly effect. Editor: So, even in deterioration, the form creates new aesthetic qualities? Curator: Precisely. The decomposition becomes integral to the piece's visual identity, transforming a functional object into a study of material change. Editor: That’s a compelling perspective. I'll certainly consider that as I continue to study ancient coins. Curator: Indeed, it offers a lens into the art’s inherent properties, regardless of its historical context.