As of Faustina II 161 - 176

Curator: Here we have an "As" coin featuring Faustina II, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as quite humble, almost worn smooth by time. Editor: It's interesting to see how these coins, even small ones, are artifacts loaded with the power dynamics of their time. The image of Faustina II served as a constant reminder of Roman power. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery of Faustina would have been immediately recognizable, imbuing her with symbolic authority tied to virtue and imperial continuity. It’s a language of visual power. Editor: Though circulated widely, these coins weren't just currency; they were tools of propaganda, reinforcing the legitimacy and visibility of female figures within the imperial family. Curator: Yes, and the endurance of this image, even in its worn state, demonstrates the lasting impact of those symbols on the collective memory. Editor: It makes you wonder about the hands it passed through, the transactions it facilitated, and the silent witness it has been to history. Curator: Indeed. It's a small object carrying an immense weight of history. Editor: A potent reminder that even the smallest objects can tell grand stories.