Sestertius of Gordian III, pierced 241 - 244

Editor: Here we have a bronze Sestertius of Gordian III. What strikes me is that it's pierced; it's been turned into an object of adornment. What do you make of this? Curator: The piercing is fascinating. It transforms the coin from a symbol of Roman authority into something more personal. The act of piercing raises questions about value. What does it mean when official currency becomes jewelry? Editor: Does this deface the coin, or does it give it new meaning? Curator: Perhaps both. This act could be seen as subverting state power. Or maybe it’s about integrating Roman identity into everyday life. What do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered it that way. I guess it's about how an object can be re-contextualized through modification. Curator: Exactly! It shows how cultural objects can have varied roles depending on who interacts with them and the socio-political context.