Sestertius of Balbinus c. 238

Editor: So, this is a sestertius of Balbinus, and it's heavier than I expected at 22 grams. The wear and tear on the coin really makes me think about its journey through history. What's most interesting about this piece to you? Curator: The fact that Balbinus' image was circulated on coinage speaks volumes about the Roman need to legitimize power through portraiture. It's a form of propaganda, really. Consider the socio-political instability of the time; how does the coin function as an object asserting imperial authority? Editor: That's a great point. The image does seem quite serious. Did this kind of imagery typically sway public opinion? Curator: The effectiveness of such imagery is debatable. But it certainly played a role in visually constructing and reinforcing the emperor's image within the Roman world. It shows how power used art for its own means. Editor: I see; that’s a powerful insight. I’ll definitely look at Roman coins differently now. Curator: Exactly. Coinage wasn't just currency; it was a medium of political communication.