Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 148 - 149

Curator: Here we have a sestertius, a bronze coin from the reign of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. Editor: It’s striking how worn it is. You can feel the weight of time, and, dare I say, empires, in that pitted surface. What narratives were exchanged with it? Curator: Absolutely. Roman coins weren't just currency, but powerful symbols of imperial authority. Antoninus Pius used imagery to project ideals of peace, prosperity, and stability. Editor: It’s interesting to me how coins often functioned as miniature portraits, shaping public perception of leadership. They are literally circulated ideologies. But this one has clearly seen better days. Curator: The image on the coin served as a constant reminder of the emperor's power and the strength of the Roman state. So much symbolic weight packed into a small object. Editor: I'm intrigued by this coin's journey. Its physical degradation speaks volumes, hinting at the inevitable decline of even the most powerful institutions. Curator: Indeed, its survival offers a quiet, poignant reflection on the transience of power. Editor: It shows us that history is not just grand narratives, but it's often carried in these worn, intimate objects.