Sestertius of Trebonianus Gallus c. 3th century

Curator: Here we see a Sestertius, a bronze coin, bearing the likeness of Trebonianus Gallus. Editor: It looks so worn, almost like it carries the weight of history. The patinas really lend it a somber mood. Curator: Absolutely, a coin is a powerful symbol. A ruler's portrait on currency connects them directly to the economic power and the everyday lives of their citizens. Editor: And let's consider the physical act of striking coins. The labor, the skill, the social organization required to produce these objects en masse. It speaks to Roman control. Curator: It’s fascinating how a single object can represent so many layers of meaning, from political power to economic exchange and even individual identity. Editor: True. Considering the material, it reminds us that wealth and power, even when made of bronze, are ultimately subject to decay. Curator: A poignant reminder indeed. Editor: I find its journey through time quite humbling.