Denarius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a denarius featuring Antoninus Pius, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It’s humbling to consider its weight—literally and figuratively—a small metal disc representing imperial power and its circulation. Curator: Exactly. The denarius wasn't just currency; it was a propaganda tool, disseminating the emperor's image and messages throughout the Roman Empire. The portrait became synonymous with the state. Editor: I'm fascinated by the labor involved in its creation. Mining the metal, crafting the die, striking each coin—it speaks to the vast organization required to maintain imperial control. Curator: And the images themselves, the figure on the reverse… how were they received and understood by the people handling these coins daily? What impact did this continuous exposure to imperial imagery have? Editor: Ultimately, this denarius is a beautiful example of how something seemingly simple can reveal so much about material culture and social control. Curator: Indeed, a coin's value extends far beyond its monetary worth, offering a glimpse into the political and cultural landscape of its time.