Sestertius of Herennia Etruscilla c. 250 - 251

Editor: This is a Sestertius of Herennia Etruscilla. Looking at it, I'm struck by how this small coin connects us to a powerful woman in ancient Rome. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: Well, this coin isn't just a piece of currency; it’s a statement. Herennia Etruscilla was the wife of Emperor Decius, and depicting her on coinage was a calculated move to legitimize his rule and reinforce her position. Consider what it meant for her image, likely idealized, to circulate so widely. How do you think this impacted public perception of women in power? Editor: It's fascinating to think about how a coin could be a tool for shaping public opinion and bolstering authority. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. And by studying it, we question whose stories are told and how.