Dupondius of Antoninus Pius by Antoninus Pius

Dupondius of Antoninus Pius c. 156 - 157

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Dimensions: 12.05 g

Copyright: CC0 1.0

Editor: This is a Dupondius of Antoninus Pius, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Given its age, the coin's surfaces are worn, but it's fascinating to see what's survived. What symbols do you see embedded in this piece? Curator: This coin is a vessel of memory. The Emperor’s portrait isn’t just a likeness, it embodies the power and stability of the Roman Empire. Notice the patina, it’s a visual echo of time, marking its journey through generations. Editor: That's a great point. The wear and tear really do contribute to the story. Curator: Indeed. And consider the iconography beyond the portrait – what virtues or aspirations might it represent? How would its original audience have interpreted these symbols? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. It’s like holding a piece of history, filled with meaning. Curator: Precisely! It reminds us that images speak across time, their symbolic weight shaped by cultural memory.

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