Quadrans of Antoninus Pius c. 140 - 143

Editor: Here we have the Quadrans of Antoninus Pius housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at the aged bronze, I'm struck by its connection to a vast, intricate economic system. What can we discern about its making and use? Curator: This small coin speaks volumes about Roman industrial practices and the labor involved in resource extraction, metalworking, and distribution. The very material, bronze, represents a network of mines, foundries, and trade routes. Editor: So, it's not just about the image of Antoninus Pius, but the entire production process? Curator: Precisely. Think about the social hierarchy embedded in who controlled the mines, who smelted the ore, and who ultimately used this coin in everyday transactions. It's a tangible link to the Roman economic structure. Editor: That's a fascinating way to consider its value. I never thought about it that way. Curator: Focusing on the materiality reveals the complex web of production and consumption behind even the smallest artifact.