Sestertius of Gordian III c. 240

Curator: Here we have a sestertius, a Roman coin, of Gordian III. Look at the weight; at 17.08 grams, it was probably made of bronze. Editor: It feels heavy with history, literally and figuratively. That profile, so serene, yet worn by time... What stories this little coin could tell. Curator: Coins were tools of propaganda, showcasing the emperor’s image and achievements. Gordian III came to power at just 13 years old. Editor: Imagine being a kid and having your face stamped onto money. What a trip. It's like instant celebrity, but with real power. Curator: The iconography here would have reinforced the legitimacy of his rule. Every transaction, a subtle reminder of imperial authority. Editor: It makes you wonder about the human hands that touched it, the markets it passed through, the lives it impacted centuries ago. It’s just wild. Curator: Indeed, it's a tangible connection to a distant past, illustrating the power dynamics of the Roman Empire. Editor: And a reminder that even the mightiest empires eventually fade, leaving behind whispers in metal.