Coin of Antioch under Antoninus Pius c. 138 - 161

Curator: Here we have a "Coin of Antioch under Antoninus Pius," a piece from the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking how the wear and discoloration almost abstract the portrait and emblem. What material is this coin, out of curiosity? Curator: It weighs 7.92 grams, and one can imagine it was made out of bronze. The coin's creation would have involved a complex process of die-making, striking, and distribution—all carefully controlled. Editor: Absolutely. The formal elements—the profile portrait, the circular composition—serve to reinforce power, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Indeed. It speaks volumes about the socio-political context and the mechanics of imperial representation. I'm glad we got to consider this coin together. Editor: Me too! It is truly fascinating how so much of human civilization can be reduced to the size of a coin.