Denarius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: Well, isn't this a poignant little thing? We're looking at a Denarius of Antoninus Pius, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Gosh, it makes me ponder all that it has been through. Editor: Immediately, I feel this intense connection to antiquity – a weight of history condensed into such a small, tactile object. The muted silver tones only amplify that. Curator: Right? Pius, the man, wasn't just an emperor, but a symbol, captured in a portrait that's both an image of power and a currency of the state. I find it so intimate. Editor: And the reverse side with the architecture…it speaks volumes. The architectural imagery might hint at prosperity or even imperial virtues, solidifying the empire’s image. Curator: Perhaps the coin was a gesture, a way for people to hold a piece of him, almost like a talisman or a little prayer tucked away in a pocket? Editor: Absolutely, these aren't just coins; they are little time capsules of carefully constructed meaning, layered with cultural hopes and fears. Curator: And here we are, centuries later, still trying to unravel their whispers. I love that the smallest objects can hold the biggest stories. Editor: Yes, it truly is incredible to consider how such a modest object embodies the enduring power of symbols to bridge time and cultures.