Coin of Saitta under Faustina II c. 161 - 175

Editor: Here we have a coin of Saitta, bearing the image of Faustina II. It’s quite small, and the wear suggests it's been circulated a lot. What can you tell me about the social context of this coin? Curator: Coins were powerful tools of Roman imperial propaganda. Consider Faustina II's image: idealized, but circulated widely. What message do you think the Roman authority was trying to convey through such common objects? Editor: I guess it’s about projecting power and stability by having a woman's face on currency. Were these coins specifically for Saitta or did they travel elsewhere? Curator: They were part of the broader Roman economy, reflecting how imperial power was localized and asserted through such imagery. These coins would have been used in everyday transactions but also as a constant reminder of Roman rule. So, what does it mean for a place like Saitta to have its own coinage under Roman rule? Editor: It’s fascinating how this tiny object connects to vast networks of power and visual representation. Curator: Exactly. It prompts us to consider how art functions within political and economic systems.