Coin of Delphi under Faustina I 138 - 141

Curator: Here we have a coin of Delphi, minted under Faustina I. Editor: It looks incredibly worn, doesn't it? Almost like a ghostly imprint of its original design. Curator: Indeed. As a Roman Empress, Faustina's image on currency was vital for projecting imperial power and legitimacy. Coins served as propaganda, circulating not just economic value but also political messages. Editor: And those messages were inherently tied to gender and power. To control the image of a woman ruler – how she was perceived and remembered – was crucial in a patriarchal society. Curator: Precisely. The Delphi connection here is also fascinating. Delphi was a major religious center, and this coin highlights the intertwining of imperial authority and religious significance. Editor: It is compelling how such a small, seemingly insignificant object can hold so much historical weight. You have to wonder who touched it, and what they thought of the Empress as they did. Curator: It reminds us that even everyday objects can be incredibly revealing about the past. Editor: Absolutely, it’s like holding a piece of ancient dialogue in your hand.