As of Gordianus III 

Curator: What a find. We’re looking at a bronze coin, an "As," dating back to the reign of Gordianus III. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums and weighs approximately 11.2 grams. Editor: It’s incredible how much history is concentrated in this small, heavily patinated piece. The green tones speak volumes about its age and material composition. Curator: Absolutely. The coin offers a tangible connection to the political power structures of the Roman Empire, representing Gordianus III's authority and the mechanisms of economic control. Editor: I’m struck by the level of craftsmanship involved in creating the original die. The metalworking and the wear from circulation tell a story of labor, trade, and everyday usage. Curator: Indeed, the coin's value extends beyond its monetary worth. It’s a symbol loaded with meaning about identity and imperial ambition. Editor: Seeing the portrait slowly consumed by oxidation reminds me that nothing truly lasts, even empires become nothing more than layers of minerals in the earth. Curator: A sobering reflection on the temporality of power, captured in a single coin. Editor: One small object, a great weight of history.