Sestertius of Faustina II 161

Curator: The Sestertius of Faustina II, weighing nearly 20 grams, gives me a powerful sense of antiquity. Editor: It feels like holding history, doesn't it? The deep patina, the worn details…it speaks of countless hands, of transactions, a tangible link to a bygone era. Curator: Indeed. Its materiality is quite striking. This coin isn't just currency; it's a statement. The effigy of Faustina II, wife of Marcus Aurelius, reminds us of imperial power, yet also of the intimate lives of those who wielded it. Editor: And what about its semiotic function? Coins were vehicles of propaganda, weren’t they? The imagery and inscriptions would have been carefully chosen to project an image of strength, prosperity, legitimacy. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the weight of 19.83 grams—it's not simply metal; it’s value, trust, and a symbolic representation of the Roman Empire's economic stability. Editor: It makes you wonder about the stories this little object could tell, doesn't it? From grand imperial events to everyday transactions, it’s witnessed it all. Curator: Right! Makes me think about where I left my own loose change… Editor: Well, after seeing this, I'm off to check my pockets, too. Thanks for that dive into history!