Coin Kabeira under Gordian III 238 - 244

Curator: Here we have a coin, minted under Gordian III, referred to as a “Coin Kabeira under Gordian III,” currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Weighing 15.42 grams, it's small, almost unassuming. Editor: It's incredible to think of how much economic and political power such a small object represents. It’s also rough—the wear and tear tell a story. Curator: Absolutely. The coin’s creation involved skilled labor, from the extraction of metals to the die-cutting. Each step reflects the empire's organizational capabilities and its grasp on resources. Editor: And the symbols, though faded, speak to imperial authority and ideology, right? Gordian III using coinage as propaganda to solidify his power. Curator: Precisely! It’s a mass-produced object that acted as a critical tool for maintaining social order and economic stability. Editor: It makes you wonder how many hands this coin passed through and the kinds of transactions it facilitated. Curator: Indeed, it highlights the connection between material production and social control. Editor: This glimpse into daily transactions and political messaging is why these objects matter. Curator: It really is more than meets the eye.