Dupondius of Antoninus Pius c. 140 - 143

Curator: Before us, we have a Dupondius of Antoninus Pius, a coin currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection and weighing a mere 11.76 grams. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small object can feel so weighty, so freighted with history and a kind of faded grandeur. Curator: Indeed. The coin's material, likely bronze, and its circular form speak to a calculated design meant for circulation and, of course, the dissemination of power. Look at the crisp lines defining the emperor's profile! Editor: And that profile, perpetually young and noble, served a potent symbolic purpose. It embodies the ideal ruler, projecting stability and authority, almost deity-like in its permanence. Curator: Observe how the deterioration of the metal actually accentuates the relief, giving the emperor’s visage a striking presence. Editor: It reminds us of the transience of power, that even emperors and empires are not immune to the relentless march of time. Intriguing, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely, a powerful demonstration of form and function.