Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 143 - 144

Curator: Look at this, the "Sestertius of Antoninus Pius," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Weighing in at about 20 grams, it's a tangible piece of ancient history. Editor: My first impression is one of weighty solemnity. The patina whispers tales of ages past, a quiet grandeur tempered by the inevitability of decay. Curator: Absolutely, the verdigris adds a layer of depth. Notice the portrait in profile, a deliberate study in power, contrasted by what appears to be some kind of goddess on the reverse. Editor: The goddess, or perhaps an allegorical figure representing Pax, embodies the era's aspirations of peace, yet the coin itself inherently speaks of commerce and the sinews of empire. Curator: Indeed, it makes me consider how the pursuit of peace and the realities of power are intertwined, even now. A tiny coin, yet a giant question mark, don't you think? Editor: Precisely. It leaves me contemplating the resonance of such a small object through the vast corridors of time.