Antoninianus of Gordian III 242 - 244

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Gordian III, a Roman coin currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. The coin's silver surface, though worn, still captures the regal profile of the emperor. Editor: It's striking how such a small object could carry so much power. The wear and tear on the metal speak to the passage of time and the instability of empires. Curator: The composition adheres to established conventions; the emperor's portrait on the obverse projects authority, and the figure on the reverse seems to reference military virtue. Editor: Power always needs to be legitimized, doesn't it? The figure likely embodies the state’s reliance on military power to maintain itself, showcasing Roman imperial strength. Curator: The incised details, despite some degradation, reveal a skilled hand at work. The lines create definition and texture on the surface of the coin. Editor: I see a young emperor immortalized during his reign, his face almost devoid of emotion. A reminder that even powerful figures are constrained by the roles they play. Curator: Its restrained aesthetic serves its function perfectly; a visual language of imperial authority. Editor: Indeed, this coin offers insight into how power reproduces itself through symbols across centuries.