Coin of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Curator: Look, here we have a coin from the era of Antoninus Pius, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first? Editor: Its worn texture, a palpable sense of history. You can imagine all the hands it's passed through. And the figure on the reverse, quite elegant despite the corrosion. Curator: Indeed. It represents the virtue of Pietas, a figure embodying duty, religion, and familial respect – core values in Roman society. Editor: So, this isn’t just currency, but a reinforcement of ideology through imagery. These symbols were carefully chosen, shaping public perception of the emperor and the empire. Curator: Precisely. And note the portrait of Antoninus Pius himself on the obverse – a direct link between the ruler and these virtues. Editor: It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense cultural weight, acting as both economic tools and propaganda. It is impressive. Curator: Agreed, a small object speaking volumes about the values of a long-lost world.