Sestertius of Gordian III 

Curator: Here we have a sestertius of Gordian III. It’s a bronze coin, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. The coin provides insights into the role of coinage and representation in Roman society, particularly concerning the emperor’s identity. Editor: It's remarkable how weighty it looks, though that might be the patination playing tricks on my eyes, conjuring depth. The image appears to be the emperor on one side, and a figure seated on what looks like a throne on the other? Curator: Precisely. The obverse depicts Gordian III himself, while the reverse presents Roma, the personification of Rome, seated. The image thus reinforces the ideology of imperial power as intertwined with the greatness and authority of Rome. Editor: So, it's not merely a trade object, but a propaganda tool. And considering its widespread circulation, what impact did this have on perceptions of power and identity? Curator: Exactly. Currency literally embodies power, shaping perceptions of authority, gender, and even race, circulating coded messages throughout society. Editor: Thinking about the bronze itself, who mined it, how was it processed, and who struck these coins? The labor involved is immense. Curator: The circulation and reception of this coin within broader networks of exchange reveal power dynamics embedded within Roman imperial structures. Editor: Considering the coin's material and the figures it represents invites a deeper discussion about how power and identity are constructed.