Sestertius of Gordian III 

Curator: This is a sestertius of Gordian III, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's fascinating to see how a ruler chose to present himself and project power, even on such a small scale. The patina is particularly striking, giving it a sense of age and history. Curator: As a coin, it served a dual purpose, not just as currency but also as propaganda. The portrait of Gordian III on one side and the depiction of a figure, likely a deity, on the other, were carefully chosen to convey messages about his legitimacy and divine favor. Editor: That figure seems to be holding orbs, which is interesting. They often represent power, dominion, or even the cosmos itself. It would be interesting to know what that figure and attribute meant to the Romans. Curator: It's remarkable how these objects offer insights into the values, beliefs, and anxieties of a society long past. Editor: Absolutely. They let us glimpse into a world where imagery and symbolism were potent tools of communication and control. Curator: Precisely. The sestertius shows us how coins were powerful vehicles for expressing Roman imperial ideology. Editor: Seeing the portrait and the figure, I think I feel a sense of lasting power, even through the tarnish. Curator: It's a testament to the enduring power of visual representation across centuries.