As of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin, "As of Antoninus Pius," housed in the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, obviously, and quite worn. I'm curious about how this coin reflects the ruler's power. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Roman coinage, especially coins like this one depicting Antoninus Pius, served as propaganda. The very act of distributing these images throughout the empire reinforced his authority and projected a specific image of him and his reign. Editor: So, it's not just money, it's a message? Curator: Exactly. And think about who controlled the imagery. It was a calculated way for the emperor to communicate with his subjects and future generations. What impression do you think it conveys? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered how actively a coin could shape public perception. Curator: Precisely. These objects offer insights into the social and political landscape of the time.