Sestertius of Philip II c. 3th century

Curator: This object is a Sestertius, a Roman coin featuring Philip II, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, and weighing 18.8 grams. Its worn surface speaks volumes to me. Editor: It's incredibly tactile, isn’t it? You can almost feel the hands that exchanged it. What's the context surrounding its creation? Curator: It's a tangible piece of Roman history, reflecting power and commerce. The coin itself becomes a medium of imperial propaganda, circulated broadly. Editor: I wonder about the labor involved in minting thousands of these. Were the artisans considered artists, or just skilled labor within the Roman system? Curator: That distinction is blurry, I think. Their skill in die-making and minting allowed for wide distribution of power symbols. Editor: Definitely a fascinating glimpse into the socio-economic landscape of the Roman Empire. Curator: Agreed. It's a window into Roman production, trade, and how empires sustain themselves.