As of Faustina I c. 141

Curator: Here we have a bronze As, minted under Antoninus Pius, bearing the likeness of Faustina I. Editor: It looks remarkably worn, like something dredged up from the bottom of the sea. The patina is thick and uneven. Curator: Indeed. This coin served not just as currency but as propaganda. Images of deceased emperors and empresses, like Faustina here, reinforced dynastic power and commemorated their virtues. Editor: Bronze was an interesting choice. It wasn't precious, yet it circulated widely. This coin probably passed through many hands, each leaving its trace. It is a testament to its social endurance. Curator: Precisely! The choice of imagery also speaks volumes. Faustina's portrait, even in this worn state, conveys a sense of idealized beauty and authority. Editor: It's a fascinating object, a humble piece of metal that has witnessed so much. The wear itself tells a story of circulation and use. Curator: Absolutely. It is a tangible connection to the past, illustrating how power and image were disseminated through everyday objects.