Sestertius of Philip I c. 3th century

Curator: This is a sestertius of Philip I, also known as Philip the Arab. Weighing about 21 grams, it's a bronze coin depicting the emperor himself. Editor: It looks so worn, almost humble despite representing an emperor. The verdigris gives it a sense of age and buried history. Curator: Precisely. One side bears Philip's profile, the other a figure of Victory, a potent symbol of Roman power and divine favor. Coins like these were essential tools for disseminating propaganda. Editor: Propaganda is a strong word, but I see how controlled visual messaging was crucial to maintaining imperial authority. What does it tell us about his image as an emperor? Curator: The image of Victory suggests he wanted to be seen as triumphant, blessed by the gods. Editor: Seeing the patina on the bronze makes me think about the empires and their struggles with maintaining power and visibility through time. Curator: It is a tactile link to a distant world. Editor: Absolutely, and a reminder of how power is constructed and maintained through symbols.