Denarius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: This is a Denarius of Antoninus Pius, located at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small but the details are striking. What jumps out at you when you look at the composition? Curator: The coin's circular form immediately establishes a sense of completeness, interrupted by the imperfection of age. Observe the relief of the emperor’s profile; the incuse lettering, how do these formal choices influence your perception of power and authority? Editor: I suppose the circular shape is like a seal of power and the profile immortalizes him. I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. The material itself, its metallic composition and density, lends weight and permanence to the image. It is a sophisticated interplay between form and content, wouldn't you agree?