As of Gordianus III 

Editor: Here we have "As of Gordianus III," a coin by Gordian III, at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks incredibly worn and dark. What can you tell me about this coin and its significance? Curator: Coins like this served as powerful propaganda tools. The image of Gordian III, even in this worn state, projected imperial authority. Consider who controlled the minting and distribution – how did this shape public perception of the emperor? Editor: That's fascinating! So it's not just about the monetary value, but also about controlling the narrative? Curator: Exactly! Think about where these coins circulated. How did they influence the lives of ordinary citizens and reinforce Roman power structures? Editor: I never thought about it that way. Seeing it as a form of public messaging is really eye-opening. Curator: And that's the crucial point. Even everyday objects held significant political and cultural weight.