Antoninianus of Gordian III 241 - 243

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Gordian III from the Harvard Art Museums, with an unknown creation date. It feels pretty weighty for something so small. What’s your read on this piece? Curator: I see a little time capsule, whispering stories of power and a long-gone empire. It is easy to imagine this small coin was once held by someone trading in the marketplace. Coins like these were the social media of their day, spreading images of power. Editor: So, it’s less about the artistry, and more about what it represents? Curator: Exactly! But the artistry is there, subtly reinforcing the message. It makes you think about what objects we carry today will say about us in two thousand years. Editor: Definitely something to ponder. Thanks!