Aureus of Antoninus Pius, Rome c. 143 - 144

Editor: This is the Aureus of Antoninus Pius, a gold coin from ancient Rome held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's amazing how much history is embedded in such a small object. What social narratives do you find present within this coin? Curator: It speaks volumes about power, doesn't it? The image of Antoninus Pius, carefully crafted, reinforces his authority. The coin circulated, shaping perceptions of him and the Roman Empire. Consider its role in commerce, taxation, and even propaganda, reinforcing societal structures and hierarchies. Editor: So, it's not just currency, but a tool for social control? Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were potent symbols. What messages do you think it sends about Roman values and power structures? Editor: I never thought of it that way; it’s like holding a piece of Roman ideology. Curator: Precisely! It highlights the intersection of art, power, and social influence in the ancient world.