Sestertius of Faustina II 161 - 176

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Faustina II from the Harvard Art Museums. The worn surface suggests a long history of circulation. How did these coins function within the Roman Empire's societal and political structure? Curator: These coins were crucial to the Roman economy and political propaganda. The image of Faustina II, the Empress, projected an image of imperial power and stability. Who do you think the intended audience was? Editor: I imagine its circulation was mainly among everyday citizens, who perhaps weren't exposed to grand statues or portraits of the imperial family. Curator: Precisely. Coins were a readily accessible medium to disseminate imperial ideology and solidify the legitimacy of the ruling dynasty throughout the empire. It's fascinating how such a small object held so much power. Editor: I never thought about coins in this light, as tools for political messaging! Curator: Indeed, they offer a unique insight into the socio-political dynamics of the Roman Empire and the mechanisms by which power was visually communicated.