Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 145 - 161

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius coin depicting Antoninus Pius. It’s intriguing how such a small object carries so much history. What can you tell me about its cultural significance? Curator: The Sestertius wasn’t just currency; it was a propaganda tool. Consider its imagery. Who is being represented and what is the significance of that imagery? Editor: It seems to show Antoninus Pius. Curator: Exactly! Placing his image on the coin served to legitimize his power and project an image of stability and prosperity throughout the Roman Empire. How might the average Roman citizen have interacted with this piece of art? Editor: I see, it’s a constant reminder of the emperor's presence. Curator: Precisely. The coin’s circulation embedded the emperor's image into the daily lives of the citizens, reinforcing Roman power structures. It highlights how art, even in mundane forms, can be a powerful tool of social and political control.