Sestertius of Faustina II

Editor: This is a sestertius, a bronze coin of Faustina II, and it looks pretty weathered. What stands out to me is how the material itself has changed over time. How should we interpret this object? Curator: Think about the Roman economy. Bronze wasn't inherently valuable; its worth came from the state's decree. Its worn condition speaks to the coin's journey through countless transactions, accumulating social meaning with each exchange. This highlights the coin's purpose as a tool of economic and social control. Editor: So, it is not just a portrait of Faustina II, but also an economic artifact. Curator: Precisely. The production and distribution of this object reveals the workings of a complex system of labor and power. Editor: It’s amazing how a coin can tell such a broad story of production and value! Curator: Absolutely! It challenges our assumptions about art, forcing us to consider the social and material conditions of its creation and use.