As or Dupondius of Lucius Verus c. 2th century

Curator: This is an As or Dupondius of Lucius Verus, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs just under 9 grams. Editor: It looks worn, doesn't it? There's a certain weight of history etched into its surface. Curator: Absolutely. These coins offer fascinating insights into the political messaging of the Roman Empire. Verus was co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius, and coinage was a crucial tool for disseminating their image and authority. Editor: I wonder about the people who held this coin. What power dynamics were at play when this piece of metal changed hands? What did it mean for everyday transactions? Curator: The imagery would have been carefully chosen to project power and legitimacy. Coinage was integral to both economic activity and the maintenance of Roman social structures. Editor: It's powerful to think about how something so small can tell such a vast story about power, representation, and the flow of daily life. Curator: Indeed. This coin provides a tangible connection to a complex, multifaceted past, sparking many lines of inquiry.