Sestertius of Alexander Severus 

Curator: This is a sestertius, a Roman coin, of Alexander Severus, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Weighing in at 21.85 grams, it's a tangible piece of history. Editor: The corrosion creates a mottled surface, yet the remaining details suggest a refined, almost delicate, relief. Curator: Coins like this were crucial for disseminating the emperor's image and authority throughout the vast Roman Empire. What messages did they convey? Editor: I notice the careful balance in the composition, though faint, that hints at the emperor's desired portrayal: a mix of power and divine grace. Curator: Absolutely. And the coin's circulation facilitated not only economic transactions but also socio-political communication. Editor: The tactile quality of this artifact invites us to consider it as more than currency; it’s a miniature sculpture burdened by its history. Curator: Indeed, considering the history of the coin we can see how such objects acted as important tools of imperial projection. Editor: This exploration really adds a fresh perspective to something seemingly commonplace.