Sestertius of Philip I c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Philip I, the Arab. It’s amazing to think of all the hands this coin might have passed through! What enduring symbols do you see embodied in this piece? Curator: The coin serves as a potent symbol of Roman imperial power, doesn't it? The portrait of Philip I links his physical presence to Roman authority, while the imagery on the reverse likely evokes Pax, or Peace. Editor: So, the images create this connection? Curator: Absolutely. By associating himself with established iconography, the emperor projects legitimacy. The coin’s material, its distribution—all these elements contribute to shaping a cultural memory. What do you think that memory might be? Editor: I guess it's a lasting reminder of a powerful empire, even in something small. Curator: Precisely. Symbols have power far beyond their immediate context.