Denarius of Antoninus Pius c. 145 - 160

Curator: Before us, we have a Denarius of Antoninus Pius from the Harvard Art Museums. It is a small coin, weighing less than 3 grams. Editor: It appears worn, but the imagery is still evocative. I am immediately drawn to the figure on the reverse; it seems to embody a specific virtue, or perhaps a goddess. Curator: Indeed. The figure on the reverse side of the coin is often Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. The representation of Pax was a carefully constructed image, reflecting the emperor's desire to project stability and prosperity. Editor: Coins like this one become powerful symbols, then, both in their original context and as historical artifacts. The iconography on this coin reveals cultural memory and continuity through visual symbols. Curator: Absolutely. The symbolism here must also be understood within the social and political context of the Roman Empire, as the image reinforces ideologies of power and control. Editor: Considering its age and history, I find myself thinking about all the hands this coin has passed through, the countless stories it could tell. Curator: It certainly gives one pause, doesn’t it? The weight of history, quite literally, in your palm.