Coin of Alexandria under Antoninus Pius c. 148 - 149

Curator: Look at the weathered surface of this coin from Alexandria under Antoninus Pius, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is one of age and decay, a tangible connection to the distant past through this small, almost ethereal object. Curator: Indeed, the degradation highlights the intrinsic qualities of its design. Observe the subtle relief of the Emperor's profile on one side, and the narrative scene etched on the other. Semiotics suggest these choices served distinct symbolic purposes. Editor: I'm struck by the materiality and what it tells us. Copper alloy, likely, speaks to its production and circulation as currency. How many hands did this pass through, and what labor was involved in its creation? Curator: The composition and iconography, however, reflect the power and authority of the Roman Empire. Notice the careful arrangement of elements, designed to convey a clear message. Editor: Perhaps. But the verdigris whispers stories of its physical journey. The coin becomes more than just propaganda; it becomes a record of its own existence through oxidation. Curator: It's a fascinating interplay. This coin offers a glimpse into both the structured world of imperial representation and the chaotic passage of time. Editor: Exactly. It’s a reminder that even grand empires are built on materials that ultimately return to the earth.