Sestertius of Gordian III c. 3th century

Curator: This is a sestertius of Gordian III, held at the Harvard Art Museums, likely crafted during his reign. Its humble existence is deceptive; it speaks volumes. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its humble state. It is pitted and worn, bearing the marks of countless transactions. What a story this bronze holds! Curator: Indeed. The profile of Gordian, though degraded, still suggests power, Roman ideals of leadership and authority, promising prosperity. Editor: The weight and baseness of the metal itself speak to that prosperity. Minting coins was a political act, controlling resources and shaping public perception. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery of the emperor, however faded, reinforces the symbolic weight carried by this small object, resonating across millennia. Editor: It prompts reflection on the labor involved in its creation and its long journey from ancient pockets to a museum display. Curator: A reminder of how objects carry cultural memory. Editor: Indeed. It makes one reflect on the very tangible realities that underpin history.