Sestertius of Gordian III 240

Editor: So, this is a Sestertius of Gordian III. It's a bronze coin, a bit worn with age. What strikes me is how it was essentially a form of propaganda, wasn’t it? What can you tell me about its role in society? Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this weren't just currency; they were carefully crafted messages circulated by the emperor. Consider the portrait of Gordian III: what image of power do you think it projected to the Roman populace? Editor: I guess it’s a way to ensure his image and authority were omnipresent, literally in the hands of the people. Curator: Precisely. And the reverse, often depicting deities or significant events, reinforced imperial ideology and sought to legitimize his rule. These coins were a potent tool in shaping public perception. Editor: That's a fascinating connection between art and power. I hadn't considered it quite that way before. Curator: Understanding the historical context allows us to appreciate the deliberate choices behind what might seem like a simple coin.