Coin of Argos under Antoninus Pius 138 - 161

Curator: Before us we have a fascinating object: a coin of Argos, minted under Antoninus Pius. Editor: It’s remarkable how much history is etched onto such a small, worn surface! The feeling is… weighty, literally and figuratively. Curator: Indeed. Consider the composition: the careful arrangement of portrait and inscription, meant to convey imperial power and civic pride. Editor: And those symbols would have resonated deeply. The imagery likely invoked Argive myths, reinforcing local identity under Roman rule. Curator: Precisely. These visual symbols communicate a complex relationship. Editor: It’s a tactile link to the past. To hold such a coin is to touch the Roman Empire itself. Curator: A powerful convergence of form and meaning. Editor: A poignant testament to the enduring power of symbols.