Sestertius of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have a Sestertius, a bronze coin featuring Severus Alexander, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Its weight comes in at just under 16 grams. What is your first impression? Editor: Immediately, it evokes a sense of history, that palpable touch of time—almost like holding a whisper from the past. A little green with age, but beautiful. Curator: It's fascinating to consider the social context: these coins weren't just currency, but potent propaganda tools, circulating images of power and imperial ideology. Editor: Absolutely, it's like a miniature sculpture intended for mass consumption! I imagine the hands it passed through, the stories it could tell… Curator: Indeed, considering its material composition, the labor invested in its production speaks volumes about Roman economic and artistic systems. Editor: Looking at it this way, it’s more than just a coin; it's a tangible piece of the Roman Empire, worn smooth by time, connecting us directly to history. Curator: Precisely.