Denarius of Antoninus Pius after 161

Editor: So, this is a denarius – an ancient Roman coin – by Antoninus Pius. It looks well-worn, giving it a certain gravity. What stories do you think it could tell? Curator: Ah, if only coins could talk! This little guy whispers of empire. Notice the portrait, the emperor's carefully crafted image, a propaganda tool if ever there was one. What do you make of the figure on the reverse? Editor: It looks like some sort of altar or offering table? Curator: Precisely! It’s a symbol of piety, a key virtue for Antoninus, reinforcing his legitimacy. Imagine how many hands this coin passed through. It’s a tangible link to a vanished world. Editor: Thinking about that human connection across centuries is fascinating. Curator: Absolutely. Each scratch, each imperfection is a little piece of its history.