Dupondius of Antoninus Pius c. 140 - 143

Curator: Here we have a Dupondius, a Roman coin, of Antoninus Pius. Editor: Time does funny things, doesn’t it? I see this humble little coin, and I imagine all the hands it’s passed through. Curator: It’s true. Currency was a potent tool for imperial messaging. Antoninus Pius, who ruled from 138 to 161 AD, was known for his stability and relative peace. Editor: So, propaganda, but make it… coin-sized? I bet someone bought bread with this exact coin! Curator: Exactly. It’s a reminder that even the loftiest empires are built on everyday transactions. Editor: Makes you think about what objects of *our* time will last, and what stories they’ll tell.