Sestertius of Maximinus I 

Editor: This is a Sestertius, a Roman coin depicting Maximinus I Thrax. It's quite small, but the image of the emperor is still clear. What stories do you think this coin can tell us about power and identity? Curator: This coin is more than just currency; it's propaganda. The depiction of Maximinus, likely idealized, projects an image of strength, essential for legitimizing his rule, especially given his non-aristocratic background. How does the object’s survival across centuries influence our understanding of Roman imperial power and its intersection with the lives of ordinary citizens? Editor: So, the coin reinforces the power structures, but how did the common person view it? Curator: Exactly! Think about who had access to this imagery, who controlled its distribution, and how that control shaped perceptions of power. Consider also the coin's materiality, its circulation, and its potential to be lost, found, and re-contextualized across time. It’s a study in class, economy, and control. Editor: It’s amazing to think about how much history and social context is embedded in such a small object. Curator: Precisely!