Sestertius of Faustina I 146 - 161

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Faustina I from the Harvard Art Museums. It's worn smooth with age, yet it still holds a strange gravity. What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: This coin presents Faustina I not just as an individual, but as a symbol of Roman power and virtue. Coins were powerful propaganda tools, weren't they? How do you think the public viewed these images? Editor: I suppose they saw her idealised likeness constantly, reinforcing her status. Were there other purposes for this other than status and power? Curator: Absolutely! Beyond being currency, they served as daily reminders of the imperial family, shaping public perception and reinforcing the legitimacy of the Roman Empire. And the wear and tear you noticed? That is history etched into its surface. It’s fascinating to consider how an object can carry so much weight, both literally and figuratively. Editor: I see. It's really interesting how an everyday object can be such a potent symbol.