Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: This is a sestertius featuring Antoninus Pius. Look at the patina! Editor: It has a weighty presence, a feeling of immense history condensed into something small enough to hold. You can almost feel the age. Curator: Absolutely. This bronze coin offers a glimpse into the Roman economy and the meticulous craftsmanship of die-making. Consider the labor involved in its production. Editor: And beyond commerce, it speaks volumes about power and propaganda. The very act of circulating these images solidified Antoninus's authority and projected a carefully crafted image to his subjects. Curator: Its material record of wealth is still circulating through the art historical record. Editor: Indeed, it's a tangible link to the past, prompting us to question the legacies we choose to preserve and the stories we tell through objects. It's a small coin with immense ramifications.