As of Antoninus Pius c. 153 - 154

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin, "As of Antoninus Pius." It feels like a tangible link to the past. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: Coins like this served as powerful tools of Roman propaganda. Images of emperors, like Antoninus Pius, were widely circulated, reinforcing their authority and projecting specific virtues. What do you notice about the imagery? Editor: Well, I see what appears to be a figure on each side. One seems to be a portrait of Antoninus Pius himself. Curator: Exactly. Consider how this mass-produced object shaped public perception of the emperor. How did its imagery communicate power and legitimacy to the Roman population? Editor: I see. So, it's not just money; it's a carefully crafted message distributed to the masses. That's fascinating! Curator: Precisely. This coin offers a glimpse into the political strategies and visual culture of the Roman Empire.