Coin of Laodiceia ad Mare under Antoninus Pius c. 138 - 161

Curator: This is a bronze coin, "Coin of Laodiceia ad Mare under Antoninus Pius," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's heavy with age, isn't it? The patina creates a beautiful, if somber, tonality. Curator: Indeed. Antoninus Pius, as emperor, strategically used coinage for propaganda and solidifying his image across the vast Roman empire. Editor: The profiles, despite the wear, retain a certain idealized form. The lines are surprisingly crisp, indicating a precise craftsmanship. What is the meaning of this level of detailing? Curator: The detailed portraiture served to communicate power and continuity. The coin wasn't just currency; it was a portable symbol of Roman authority. Its presence would have reinforced Rome's socio-political dominance. Editor: It is a tiny object, but a powerful medium that represents something far bigger. A snapshot of governance and self-representation. Curator: Precisely. The material is the message. The coin is an emblem of power, and time. Editor: Food for thought.