Sestertius of Alexander Severus 

Curator: This is a sestertius, a Roman coin, created under the authority of Severus Alexander. It weighs just under 19 grams. Editor: It looks so worn, doesn’t it? A tangible object connecting us to a distant past, and probably once held by someone who lived through profound socio-political changes. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this were tools of imperial power, showcasing the emperor's image and propagating his agenda across the vast Roman empire. Editor: And yet, who decided what the agenda would be? Who profited and who suffered under Severus Alexander’s reign? This single coin opens up complex questions of power and inequality. Curator: By studying the iconography and distribution of such coins, we gain insights into the priorities and reach of the Roman state. Editor: Right, but it’s also a reminder that even seemingly stable empires are built on the backs of the marginalized. Makes you think.