As or Dupondius of Faustina I 147 - 161

Curator: This is an "As or Dupondius of Faustina I," currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. It appears to be a coin. Editor: My first thought is that time is such a sculptor. The patina is gorgeous—that verdigris whispers of ages. Curator: Indeed. Crafted from bronze, this small disc offers a glimpse into Roman history, depicting Faustina the Elder. Note the level of detail in such a tiny space. Editor: It's fascinating how the circular form contains and defines the image. The wear only enhances the portrait's ghostly presence. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were not merely currency. They were powerful propaganda tools, disseminating images and messages across the empire. Editor: Thinking about where this coin has been—whose hands it's passed through—gives me chills. It's like holding a secret. Curator: In a way, it is. It holds the echoes of an empire. Editor: Yes, and the beauty of decay. It's a reminder that even power crumbles, yet art—in its humblest form—endures.