Coin of Cornelia Salonina 260 - 268

Curator: Here we have a coin, specifically, the Coin of Cornelia Salonina, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. The coin weighs approximately 3.35 grams. Editor: It's quite striking, even in its weathered state. The color is dominated by a blue-ish green patina, hinting at its age and past life. Curator: Indeed. These coins served as a powerful form of propaganda, circulating images and messages throughout the Roman Empire. This one featuring Salonina, the Roman Empress. Editor: The figure seated on the reverse side – she seems to be holding a patera and a cornucopia, symbols of piety and abundance, connecting the Empress to prosperity and divine favor. Curator: Precisely! It reinforces the perception of imperial power and legitimacy. The coin served a critical role in shaping public perception of the imperial family. Editor: It's really fascinating to consider how such a small object carried such significant cultural and political weight. Curator: Absolutely, it is a microcosm of Roman power, really.