AE Faustina II 

Curator: Before us, we have an ancient coin, identified as AE Faustina II, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the patina—that green oxidation. It tells a story of time, doesn't it? Makes you wonder what hands it passed through. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this served not only as currency but also as potent political tools. The portrait of Faustina II, wife of Marcus Aurelius, projects imperial power and virtue throughout the Roman Empire. Editor: It's interesting to consider how gender plays into this. Faustina was not merely a consort, but a figure actively constructed and circulated through such objects, subtly shaping public perception of women in power. Curator: Precisely. The image, replicated across vast distances, reinforced the emperor's legitimacy. The other side of the coin depicts a deity, further grounding the imperial family within a divine framework. Editor: Seeing this worn object connects us to the everyday lives and power dynamics of people from centuries ago. It's a tangible link to a complex past. Curator: It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of visual representation in shaping societies. Editor: Absolutely, making us think about whose stories are told, and how they are remembered.