Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina 260 - 268

Curator: Let’s turn our attention now to the Antoninianus of Cornelia Salonina. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums and weighs just over 3 grams. What do you think? Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its tactile nature. The visible wear whispers stories of hands long gone. Curator: Indeed. As a symbol, coinage represented not only economic power but also the authority of the emperor and his family, in this case, Salonina. Editor: It's amazing how a tiny object like this coin becomes a vessel filled with political aspirations and personal identity across millennia. Curator: Right. It’s a cultural echo, resonant even in its diminished state. We read the symbols, but feel the weight of empire. Editor: Makes you wonder what Salonina thought of seeing her face on everyday currency, doesn't it? Curator: An intriguing notion to ponder, indeed!