Sestertius of Maximinus I c. 3th century

Curator: There's something quite haunting about seeing history literally worn away. Editor: Indeed. We're looking at a Sestertius of Maximinus I, a Roman emperor from the 3rd century. Notice the portrait of Maximinus on one side, and what appears to be Victory on the other. Curator: That winged figure is evocative. It's incredible how such a small object can carry so much symbolic weight. Victory, power, even the emperor's legitimacy, all imprinted onto metal. Editor: It’s also interesting how the imagery on this coin would have been used as propaganda during Maximinus’s reign, and the role it played in shaping public perception. Curator: The wear and tear add another layer, don't they? Each scratch, each imperfection, speaks to the passage of time and the fragility of power. Editor: Absolutely. It reminds us that even the most meticulously crafted symbols can be eroded, their original meanings sometimes obscured or reinterpreted over centuries. Curator: Ultimately, this small coin serves as a powerful reminder of the ebb and flow of history. Editor: Agreed, and how power, perception, and even identity can be as malleable as the metal they're imprinted on.