Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina 253 - 268

Curator: Let's discuss this Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina, a Roman coin currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Its small size belies a world of meaning. Editor: My first impression is one of wear. The metal is weathered, the details softened, but the fundamental imagery remains, creating a tangible link to the past. Curator: Indeed. The coin gives us insight into the imperial cult and economy of the time. The figure, presumably Salonina, offers a glimpse into the representation and idealization of imperial women. Editor: And I see the formal arrangement—the profile portrait versus the standing figure—creating a visual dialogue. Curator: We shouldn't forget the production process. Minting, distribution—the coin's journey through various hands and its impact on the Roman world. Editor: And yet, the coin's worn state speaks to its existence beyond its economic function—a testament to its inherent aesthetic qualities. Curator: It's a reminder that value isn't just monetary. Editor: Precisely, it has an aesthetic resonance that transcends its origins.