Sestertius of Faustina II

Curator: This is a sestertius, a Roman coin, featuring Faustina the Younger. Its current weight is about 23 grams. It's worn, chipped, but still evocative. Editor: It certainly is. The coin immediately makes me think about the ways women’s images have been used to convey authority, even in the ancient world. Curator: Indeed, the creation of this coin involved bronze, dies, hammering... the whole process was a complex negotiation between labor, imperial power, and material constraints. Editor: I agree. And considering Faustina’s complicated legacy and the controversies surrounding her representation, the coin presents a fascinating lens through which to examine the gendered power dynamics of ancient Rome. Curator: It’s a potent, enduring reminder of power, labor, and the everyday mechanics of an empire. Editor: Absolutely, it gives us insight into the complex role of women in antiquity and how we continue to interpret their place in history.