Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 145 - 161

Curator: This is a Sestertius, a Roman coin, depicting Antoninus Pius. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums and weighs approximately 24.45 grams. Editor: The condition is striking. The wear and patination mute the original design, creating an aged, almost ghostly impression. Curator: Indeed. This coin served as a potent symbol of Roman authority and prosperity, but also carried religious and ideological weight. Antoninus Pius was known for his piety, and this would have been a strong aspect of his reign. Editor: And formally, the circular format, though damaged, creates an intriguing frame for the depicted figure, emphasizing its centrality. Curator: It's a palpable link to the past. Holding this coin, one can almost feel the continuity of human ambition and belief through the ages. Editor: A material artifact that speaks to how form and structure can reflect a cultural ideology across millennia.