AE Faustina I 

Curator: This is an ancient coin, titled "AE Faustina I", currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It portrays Faustina the Elder. Editor: It's incredible how much wear and tear this coin has endured over time, a real testament to its materiality and endurance, isn't it? Curator: Indeed. The imagery on these coins was carefully controlled to project imperial power and virtue. In Faustina's case, likely after her death, emphasizing her piety and connection to the divine. Editor: I find it fascinating to consider the hands that have touched this coin, its journey through trade and commerce, the social exchange it facilitated. It represents tangible material culture, shaped by the labor of its creation and its subsequent use. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like these circulated widely, serving as a constant reminder of Roman authority and influence. The very act of minting and distributing them was a powerful tool of governance. Editor: This small object encapsulates so much history, seen from two complementary perspectives. Curator: A poignant reminder of the power of visual representation and materiality in shaping our understanding of the past.