Sestertius of Clodius Albinus 

Editor: Here we have a sestertius of Clodius Albinus from the Harvard Art Museums. Given its worn condition, what kind of statement do you think it makes about the Roman Empire's image and power? Curator: That's a great question. The coin's circulation tells a story of image dissemination, but also potential devaluation. The wear and tear suggest its journey through countless hands, reflecting how the Empire’s power, once gleaming, became tarnished in the eyes of its people through economic struggles and political instability. Editor: So, the coin is like a microcosm of larger trends? Curator: Precisely. Consider how its design, initially intended to project authority, faced the test of time and economic realities. The coin serves as a tangible record of socio-political forces shaping public perception. Editor: That's a powerful perspective; I hadn’t considered the coin as evidence of that. Curator: It’s a reminder that art isn't just aesthetic; it's deeply embedded in the fabric of history and power.