Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a sestertius featuring Antoninus Pius, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. My first thought is that it looks quite worn, a testament to its age and journey through history. Editor: Absolutely, the patina speaks volumes. But consider the power dynamics at play; the very act of minting coinage was an assertion of imperial authority. Antoninus Pius, a figure of relative peace and prosperity, used this image to solidify his rule, impacting the lives of everyday people through commerce and ideology. Curator: And the imagery itself isn’t accidental. On one side, we see Antoninus Pius’s profile, a carefully constructed image of leadership. The other side likely depicts a deity or symbol of Roman virtue, furthering the propaganda. Editor: Precisely, it is not just a coin, but a political statement, a carefully crafted narrative about power, legitimacy, and the emperor's role in the cosmos. Curator: It's a powerful reminder of how even the smallest objects can carry immense historical and social weight. Editor: Indeed, prompting us to reflect on power structures, visual representation, and their continuing influence.