Sestertius of Philip II c. 3th century

Curator: This is a sestertius of Philip II, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums and weighing 14.25 grams. Look closely at it! Editor: There's something undeniably powerful about holding history in your hand, even if this piece feels heavy with the weight of empire. Curator: Absolutely. The bull is a potent symbol. It represents power, fertility, and in Roman iconography, often associated with imperial authority and might. Editor: But it's also a symbol of sacrifice, isn't it? Given Philip's rather short and tumultuous reign, is this virility and strength or a premonition of sacrifice? Curator: A fair point. Coins like these served as propaganda tools, disseminating images and messages of power. The bull projects strength, stability, all virtues he wanted to align with. Editor: It does make you wonder about the contrast of these grand symbols versus the lived reality for ordinary people in that time. A tiny coin with big implications. Curator: Indeed. It’s amazing that such a small object can tell so many stories. Editor: A small piece of metal, speaking volumes.