Sestertius of Alexander Severus 

Curator: This is a sestertius of Alexander Severus, a Roman coin held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how time has softened the details. The patina creates a subdued, almost melancholic mood. Curator: Indeed, the wear speaks volumes. Coins like this were not just currency, but also powerful symbols of imperial authority. Severus's portrait would have been instantly recognizable. Editor: And what of the figure on the reverse? I note the deep relief, the way the light catches its contours, despite the corrosion. Curator: That's likely a depiction of a Roman deity, perhaps Pax, the goddess of peace. The coin's imagery would have aimed to project stability and divine favor. Editor: The choice of bronze, too, is interesting. Less ostentatious than gold or silver, it speaks to a wider circulation, a democratization of the imperial image. Curator: Precisely. It's a fascinating artifact, offering a glimpse into Roman power structures and their visual language. Editor: A small object, yet containing echoes of an empire. I find that powerfully evocative.