Dupondius of Antoninus Pius c. 160 - 161

Curator: This is a Dupondius of Antoninus Pius, from the Harvard Art Museums. Antoninus Pius, of course, being the artist. Editor: Immediately, I sense the weight of history. It's tactile, almost like holding a piece of time itself. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were not just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda. Editor: It's amazing how such a small object could carry so much power. I imagine people clutching it, feeling a connection to the emperor, even a godlike reverence. Curator: Precisely. The portrait of Antoninus Pius served to reinforce his authority and project an image of strength and stability throughout the Roman Empire. Editor: Funny, it makes me think about how we use images today. Still branding ourselves, like emperors of our own little worlds, aren't we? Curator: In a way, yes. So this coin shows how art has always been intertwined with politics and power dynamics. Editor: Even a small coin can be a universe of meaning. Curator: Indeed, and it’s a reminder that the objects we interact with every day are imbued with cultural significance. Editor: Makes me want to examine everything more closely. There is always a story to uncover.