Dupondius of Diva Faustina I, the Elder, Rome c. 147 - 161

Curator: There's an understated elegance to this Roman Dupondius featuring Diva Faustina the Elder. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the evident wear and tear. It speaks volumes about the coin's journey through time and the hands it has passed through. Curator: The portrait on the obverse is rendered with a surprising level of detail, considering the small scale. The profile suggests a noble bearing, doesn't it? Editor: Yes, but let's consider the metal itself. The production process, the societal value it represented, and the labor involved in its creation are all part of this object's story. It's not just about noble bearing. Curator: I suppose it's the convergence of the image and the material that makes it so captivating. Editor: Precisely, the intrinsic value and symbolic worth are intertwined. It's a potent mix of representation and real-world usage.