Aureus of Antoninus Pius struck for the death of Faustina I, Rome c. 140 - 141

Editor: This Aureus of Antoninus Pius, made of gold, commemorates the death of Faustina I. One side features her profile, while the other has a peacock. What statements were they trying to make? Curator: The peacock on the reverse isn't just decorative; it's a potent symbol of immortality and deification, especially for women in Roman society. Consider how gender and power are intertwined here. This coin subtly elevates Faustina I, embedding her within a narrative of divine feminine authority. Editor: So, it’s not just about grief, but also about solidifying her legacy and perhaps, his own? Curator: Exactly. How interesting that grief and power are so intricately connected in the artwork. Editor: I hadn't considered the impact of gender. It gives the coin a whole new layer of meaning. Curator: Indeed, and it urges us to see beyond the surface to the complex socio-political dynamics at play.