Sestertius of Alexander Severus c. 3th century

Curator: Up next, we have a sestertius, a Roman coin featuring Alexander Severus, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. There's a haunting beauty to it, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely. It's a whisper from the past. The patina, that aged green, gives it such gravitas. Almost feels like it could crumble to dust if you touched it. Curator: The image of Victoria, winged goddess of victory, on the reverse, is so striking. Notice how she holds a wreath and a palm branch. She appears on many Roman coins. Editor: Victoria is an enduring symbol of triumph. I wonder, though, about the specific historical context. Was this coin issued during a period of actual victory, or was it more of a hopeful projection? Curator: A good question. Coins were definitely used for propaganda, so it's likely a bit of both. But as a personal object, this coin may have carried a different meaning. Editor: Yes, someone held this, relied on this, perhaps. It reminds me that even empires are built on very human hopes and fears. Curator: In this one coin, we can trace the echoes of political ambition and personal lives. A fascinating intersection of history and humanity.