Sestertius of Alexander Severus c. 3th century

Curator: This is a sestertius of Alexander Severus, a Roman coin, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. What’s your first impression? Editor: Ancient pocket change with a serious aura, like holding a tiny, weathered monument. The portrait is incredibly dignified. Curator: Right, this coin served as both currency and propaganda. Severus Alexander controlled the imagery, communicating power and legitimacy. Editor: And now, it whispers stories of commerce, empire, and the everyday lives it touched. It's a poignant reminder of how art can permeate even the most mundane objects. Curator: Indeed, and that this coin, despite its size, once held sway in the vast Roman world, still echoes with resonance today. Editor: Holding it, I feel connected to a history both grand and intimate—a link to the past.