Coin of Mytilene under Faustina II c. 2th century

Curator: Looking at this coin, it feels like holding a tiny piece of history— it's the Coin of Mytilene under Faustina II, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. What's your initial feeling about it? Editor: Well, it strikes me as melancholic; the wear gives it a sense of time's passage. The bronze is almost whispering stories, though I can't quite decipher them. Curator: Indeed. Faustina II, a Roman Empress, played a crucial role not only in politics but also in imagery. Coins like these acted as propaganda, spreading her image and power throughout the empire. Editor: It’s fascinating how something so small could carry such political weight. I wonder how the average person would have interacted with this image of power. Did they see her as divine, a ruler, or just another face on their money? Curator: That's precisely where the politics of imagery become interesting. It’s a question of how symbols get interpreted and integrated into daily life. Looking at this, I'm reminded of the weight of human ambition. Editor: Right, it is a simple, yet powerful symbol. Curator: And I appreciate the reminder that even the grandest empires eventually fade. Editor: A poignant thought to carry with us.