Sestertius of Alexander Severus c. 3th century

Curator: This is a sestertius of Alexander Severus, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: There's such a tactile quality to this coin. It feels like holding a piece of history worn smooth by countless hands. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these were crucial tools for disseminating imperial propaganda. The portrait flattens the image of the emperor, and the goddess is intended to show the image of Salus. Editor: It’s incredible to think about the labor involved, from mining the metals to die-cutting and striking each coin. The creation of these bronze pieces tells its own story. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery used, the production of the coins, the distribution networks—all reflect the power structures and socio-political climate of the Roman Empire. Editor: Looking closely at the materials gives us some hints about the production of the coins at that time. Curator: A perfect example of the intersection between material culture and political ideology, don't you think? Editor: I do. It makes you think about what everyday objects say about our own time, as well.