Sestertius of Faustina II 161 - 176

Curator: This is a Sestertius, a bronze coin weighing just over 20 grams. Editor: It looks heavily worn. The patina speaks volumes of its journey through time and touch. Curator: Indeed. It’s attributed to Faustina II, wife of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The material itself, the copper alloy, hints at its role in everyday Roman commerce and societal structures. Editor: Consider the symbolic weight of a woman’s image on currency. This was powerful propaganda that served to stabilize the Roman Dynasty and cement her legacy. It’s a calculated act of imperial branding. Curator: Precisely. The coin's production and circulation reflect the complex economic and political systems of the Roman Empire, disseminating imperial power through material means. Editor: It's also a poignant reminder of how women, even empresses, were often defined by their relationship to male power. Food for thought! Curator: Absolutely, considering both the physical object and its socio-political implications offers a fuller understanding. Editor: It certainly does. This little coin, in essence, is a hefty lesson in history.