As of Faustina II 145 - 146

Curator: This is a coin dedicated to Faustina II. The inscription tells us it was issued in her name, likely after her death. The profile is striking, yet the overall patina suggests age and impermanence. Editor: The corrosion is interesting. I see how the loss of surface detail emphasizes the underlying metalwork. Did they intend to convey her power through materiality? Curator: In Roman iconography, deceased emperors and empresses were often deified. The coin would have circulated as a tangible link to a venerated figure, a symbol of continuity and legitimacy. Editor: It's less about literal likeness and more about projecting authority through symbolic imagery. The worn texture actually amplifies that sense of faded glory. Curator: Precisely. Even in its deteriorated state, it speaks volumes about Roman power structures and the cult of personality. A small object, but with significant resonance. Editor: It’s amazing how form can imply meaning and transmit it across centuries. Curator: Indeed, this coin offers a glimpse into the Roman psyche – their reverence, their ambition, and their understanding of legacy.