Denarius of Faustina I c. 2th century

Editor: This is a Denarius of Faustina I. Seeing both sides, one with a portrait and the other with a figure, makes me wonder about the images they chose. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin, a tangible fragment of the Roman Empire, is rich with symbols. The portrait connects to memory and power, and the figure embodies virtues promoted by the Empress. Editor: So the coin is more than currency; it is a symbol? Curator: Precisely! Each image carries emotional weight, reinforcing cultural values and imperial authority across generations. What does that tell us about the coin's function? Editor: I see it's a statement, linking Faustina to ideals of Roman womanhood. That's fascinating! Curator: Indeed, and consider how such symbols evolved and transformed in later art. A continuous visual thread through time.