Antoninianus of Herennia Etruscilla, wife of Trajan Decius c. 250 - 251

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus, a coin minted for Herennia Etruscilla, wife of the Roman Emperor Trajan Decius. It's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's fascinating how such a small object can convey so much. The cool, worn metal gives it a sense of history and resilience. Curator: Indeed. The coin's composition is divided into two clear sides: one with Etruscilla's portrait and the other depicting a seated figure. The symmetry emphasizes her authority. Editor: The seated figure is a symbol of power, a visual shorthand for the empire itself. And her portrait, though simple, hints at the weight of her position. Curator: Precisely! The lines of the portrait are sharply defined, creating a sense of classical idealism but with an individualized realism. Editor: These coins were not just currency; they were miniature billboards, spreading a carefully crafted image throughout the Roman world. A potent symbol of power and continuity. Curator: A testament to how even the smallest artifact can hold profound significance. Editor: Absolutely. A coin—small change, but big history.