Denarius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: This is a denarius of Antoninus Pius, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It offers a glimpse into the Roman Empire's visual culture. Editor: It’s really small but I can already feel its weight. The portrait has this… sternness, but also a hint of weariness, you know? Like a long day ruling the world. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the coin's function: currency, but also propaganda. The emperor's image was circulated widely, reinforcing his power and legitimacy across the empire. Editor: Propaganda, yes, but also intimate somehow. Someone held this, spent it, maybe dreamt of a better life while looking at Antoninus’s face. It’s a real, tangible connection to the past. Curator: And it’s interesting to consider the iconography. The wreath, the inscriptions—they all contribute to a carefully constructed image of imperial authority. Editor: It's amazing how something so small can speak volumes about power, identity, and the human desire for connection. Curator: Indeed. It invites us to consider the complexities of representation and the lasting impact of seemingly simple objects.