Dupondius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a "Dupondius of Antoninus Pius," a Roman coin featuring the emperor himself. It looks quite worn, with a green patina. What can you tell me about the coin's significance? Curator: This coin offers a window into the construction of imperial power. The portrait on one side and the figure on the reverse weren't just images; they were carefully crafted messages designed to project authority and stability throughout the Roman Empire. How might its distribution have shaped public perceptions? Editor: So, it was like propaganda in monetary form? I suppose it was a very effective way to convey political messages. Curator: Exactly! And the wear and tear we see now speaks to its active circulation and the very real power dynamics it represented. These objects were meant to be circulated. That’s something to think about. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how everyday objects like this coin served such a significant political purpose. Thank you.