Coin of Pautalia under Faustina the Younger c. 165

Editor: Here we have a coin of Pautalia under Faustina the Younger housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The weathering gives it a tangible sense of history. What strikes you most about its formal qualities? Curator: The composition is carefully balanced, isn't it? The obverse, with its high-relief portrait, contrasts with the reverse's more planar, symbolic figure. Editor: How does the material contribute to its meaning? Curator: The coin's metallic composition speaks to value, permanence, and power, doesn't it? The wear and tear, though, introduce a poignant layer of temporality. Editor: So, it’s a dialogue between the intended message and the ravages of time. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, a potent interplay. Thank you for your observations.