Sestertius of Gordian III 

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Gordian III. It's a small, bronze coin with portraits on each side. I'm struck by how something so small can tell such a big story. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a propaganda tool. Think about the image of Gordian III. How does it present imperial power, and what narratives does it construct about leadership and identity in the Roman Empire? Editor: So, even everyday objects were used to reinforce a certain image of power? Curator: Exactly. Consider how it might have been received by diverse populations within the Empire. Who was included, and more importantly, who was excluded from that image of Roman power? Editor: That’s a whole new way to look at it, I see it with different eyes now! Curator: Coins like this offer valuable insights into the intersection of power, representation, and social control in ancient Rome.