Sestertius of Gordian III c. 3th century

Editor: This is a Sestertius, a coin by Gordian III. It's got a beautiful aged patina. I'm struck by its smallness and how much it must have been handled. What stands out to you about this object? Curator: I'm drawn to the materials. This coin’s creation and use relied on copper mines, minting processes, and trade routes. This seemingly simple object represents a vast network of labor and material exchange within the Roman Empire. Editor: So, it's not just about the image of Gordian, but also the economic and social system that allowed its production? Curator: Precisely! The wear and tear hint at its journey through different hands, different transactions – a tangible link to the daily lives and economic realities of people long ago. Editor: I never thought about an artwork like that before. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's crucial to consider how art is embedded within material conditions and power structures.