Sestertius of Maximinus I 

Curator: Let's consider this sestertius, struck under Maximinus I Thrax, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has such a tactile quality, doesn't it? The wear and patination speak volumes about its journey through time. Curator: Indeed. These coins, beyond their monetary function, served as vehicles for imperial messaging. This one, depicting Maximinus, offers a glimpse into the construction of his image and the projection of power within the Roman Empire. His massive frame was well-known, even in propaganda. Editor: And the bronze material itself—where was it sourced? Who were the laborers involved in its extraction and refinement? The coin's materiality connects us to vast systems of resource extraction and labor. Curator: Precisely, and considering Maximinus's rise from humble origins, this coin becomes even more poignant. It symbolizes not just power, but also social mobility—a narrative carefully crafted for his populace. It also shows the importance of controlling resources for establishing power. Editor: It's fascinating how much history can be gleaned from such a small, humble object. Curator: Absolutely, offering a microcosm of Roman society itself.