Sestertius of Commodus 

Editor: This is a Sestertius of Commodus, a Roman coin. The green patina really grabs my attention. What story does the material tell us? Curator: The coin's materiality is fascinating. The sestertius was made of brass, an alloy that, over time, reacted with the environment, resulting in the green patina. This oxidation speaks to the coin's journey through history, its burial, its handling, and its role in trade and labor. Editor: So, the coin’s color isn’t just aesthetic? Curator: Not at all. It's a testament to the material's transformation through specific historical and environmental conditions, reflecting the social and economic systems of the time. And how those materials were valued. Editor: I hadn't considered the brass itself having a history. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, analyzing the materials helps us understand the social and economic history embedded in the object.