As of Gordian III 

Curator: It's incredible how much history is embedded within this small object. This is a coin, dating back to the time of Gordian III. Editor: There is something incredibly poignant about the patina of age on this coin. It almost feels like a fossil. Curator: The coin's materiality speaks volumes; its metallic composition facilitated not just trade but also the tangible projection of imperial power and ideology. The labor invested in minting such objects circulated symbolic value, reinforcing hierarchies. Editor: And it’s fascinating to consider this coin as a form of propaganda, especially in the context of Roman imperial power. Whose faces got to be immortalized? What messages were they trying to send? Curator: Precisely! These coins serve as a window into the economic and political systems that shaped ancient societies. Editor: Seeing this coin makes me think about the legacy of Roman rule and its impact on contemporary notions of power, representation, and value. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, examining this coin through multiple lenses allows us to appreciate its historical weight, both literally and figuratively.