As of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin, "As of Antoninus Pius." It is quite small, made of metal and shows its age through a beautiful patina. What symbols do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: The image of Antoninus Pius himself, wreathed in laurel, speaks to the Roman desire to connect their leaders to the glory of Apollo. The reverse shows a seated figure—perhaps Roma herself—projecting imperial power and divine favor. Editor: So it’s like they're using images to create a story about power and legacy? Curator: Precisely. The coin is not merely currency; it is a carefully crafted message, designed to perpetuate a specific cultural memory. Consider how we still use images today. Editor: It’s fascinating to see how symbols can transcend time! Curator: Indeed. The dialogue between past and present continues through the visual language we inherit.