Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: This is a sestertius of Antoninus Pius, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a bronze coin, quite worn, showing the emperor's profile. Editor: It feels weighty, both literally, at 24.45 grams, and figuratively. The portrait and aged patina evoke a sense of enduring power and history. Curator: Indeed. One side features Antoninus Pius, who ruled with a reputation for wisdom and peace. The other shows a standing figure, likely a personification of a virtue or deity associated with his reign. Editor: It’s fascinating how this small object served as a tool for propagating the emperor’s image and ideology across the Roman Empire. It made power tangible, accessible. Curator: Coins like these weren't just currency; they were miniature billboards, carrying carefully chosen symbols and portraits. The act of exchanging it was a repeated act of bearing witness. Editor: In a way, it’s a haunting reminder of how empires use art for propaganda and control. The past, as embodied in the coin, continues to speak about power structures. Curator: It does make one consider the long echo of Roman authority and its influence on systems of power today. Editor: Absolutely. Even in decay, it tells a story.