Sestertius of Alexander Severus 

Curator: Here we have a sestertius, a bronze coin, of Alexander Severus, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, what a humble little thing! It feels like holding a tiny, tarnished story, almost like a worry stone from another era. Curator: Indeed, it’s more than pocket change. Coins like this were crucial for disseminating imperial imagery. Look at the portrait of Severus; it's a carefully constructed image of power circulated widely. Editor: Power through portraiture… but also, think of all the hands this little piece has passed through. It's pretty cool to imagine the human touch and exchange over centuries. Curator: Absolutely. These coins highlight how art served the Roman state and how the state tried to control art. Editor: I suppose in a way, this coin gives rise to thoughts about what it means to be remembered, or to leave a lasting mark. Curator: Right. It’s a reminder of the powerful symbiosis of political messaging, artistic creation, and public consumption.