Denarius of Faustina I 147 - 161

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Faustina I, a Roman coin currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like a tiny, worn-out mirror reflecting a lost age. I'm drawn to the materiality; the worn metal speaks of countless transactions and hands it passed through. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were integral to the Roman economy and played a significant role in disseminating imperial imagery. Faustina I, wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius, was heavily promoted on coinage after her death to consolidate her husband's power. Editor: So, beyond just currency, it's a political tool crafted from precious metal, meant to circulate not just goods, but imperial ideology too. The wear only amplifies that message; it's been consumed and reshaped by its use. Curator: Precisely. It is an intriguing glimpse into Roman propaganda and imperial cults. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how something so small could carry such weight in shaping perceptions and maintaining control. Curator: Indeed, a potent reminder of the intersection of art, power, and everyday life.