Denarius of Faustina II 161 - 176

Curator: This is a denarius of Faustina II, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks worn, haunted almost, like a little portal whispering stories. Curator: Indeed. These coins served not only as currency but as potent symbols of imperial power, especially the empress’s influence. The depiction of Faustina reinforces a gendered political ideology. Editor: And to hold that weight, literally, a woman's face on something so easily passed around, bartered. There's something powerful and unsettling about it. I’m reminded of how women’s images are still used to signify value. Curator: Absolutely, the symbolism is striking. The reverse likely depicts a goddess, furthering the association between the empress and divine authority. We see this pattern repeated throughout history. Editor: It makes you wonder about the original owner, doesn’t it? Their hopes, fears, how this little piece of metal shaped their day. Curator: It's a tangible connection to a distant past, isn't it? A coin, yes, but also a complex artifact of power, representation, and everyday life.