Coin of Sebaste under Gordian III c. 238 - 244

Curator: This is a bronze coin of Sebaste, created during the reign of Gordian III. It weighs just over 13 grams. Editor: It's amazing how much history and meaning can be packed into such a small object. The wear and tear speak volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the labor involved in its production. The mining of the metal, the craftsmanship of the die, and the striking of the coin itself. Each step reflects social and economic structures of the time. Editor: And the images! One side shows the emperor, a symbol of power and authority. The other side displays a figure of victory, a common motif representing Roman military might. Curator: Coins were not just currency, but propaganda tools. They circulated widely, carrying these visual messages across the empire. Editor: Looking at this, I imagine the hands it passed through, the stories it could tell. It really connects us to the past. Curator: Precisely. It's a tangible link to the economic and symbolic world of Roman Sebaste. Editor: A powerful reminder that even the smallest artifacts can offer profound insights.