Sestertius of Lucius Verus c. 2th century

Curator: This sestertius, attributed to Lucius Verus, offers a glimpse into the iconography of Roman imperial power and its relationship to civic virtue. Editor: It feels almost like a tiny, tarnished mirror reflecting a bygone era. The wear and tear whisper stories. Curator: Indeed. The image of Verus, juxtaposed with the personification of Concordia, speaks volumes about the socio-political messages they aimed to propagate. Editor: Makes you wonder what they’d think if they knew their PR campaign would end up here, centuries later, under glass. Curator: Well, power and legacy are always a negotiation with history, aren't they? Editor: Absolutely. It's a heavy thought to carry around, literally, in your pocket.