Coin of Amphipolis under Faustina I c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Amphipolis under Faustina I, a fascinating artifact held at the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn surface speaks volumes. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: These coins served a crucial propagandistic function. The image of Faustina, the emperor's wife, disseminated ideals of Roman womanhood and imperial power throughout the vast empire. How do you think its circulation would have shaped public perception? Editor: It's like early mass media, right? Imagine the power of seeing the Empress's image everywhere. I guess it was a statement of Roman dominance, perhaps even personifying it through Faustina. Curator: Precisely. And its survival as a museum object speaks to how we value objects of the past, transforming everyday currency into historical narrative. It makes you think about the cultural life cycle of objects, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. I'll definitely look at coins differently now! Thanks!