As of Faustina II 161 - 176

Editor: Here we have a Roman coin depicting Faustina II. It's heavily worn, but you can still make out her profile on one side and a standing figure on the other. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: This coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the representation of women in power. Faustina II, as empress, wasn’t just a consort, she was actively constructed as a symbol of imperial authority. The coin served as propaganda, visually reinforcing her role and, by extension, the legitimacy of the Antonine dynasty. Editor: Propaganda, even then? Curator: Absolutely. Consider, too, how the figure on the reverse, likely a goddess, connects Faustina to notions of virtue, fertility, and divine favor. Coins like these weren't merely currency; they were carefully crafted statements about power, gender, and the Roman state. What does that make you think about contemporary currency? Editor: It makes me see money in a different light! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It's vital to remember how intertwined art and politics have always been.