Sestertius of Trebonianus Gallus c. 3th century

Editor: This is a sestertius, a Roman coin, depicting Trebonianus Gallus. The wear and tear on its surface give it an almost ghostly presence. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: This coin offers a lens through which to examine power, representation, and the construction of identity in the Roman Empire. How does the portrait of Trebonianus Gallus reinforce or challenge existing power structures? Editor: I see what you mean. The profile seems very stoic, almost detached. Curator: Indeed. Consider the metal itself, its circulation, its function as a propagandistic tool. These coins were not just currency; they were tools to disseminate ideology. What does that tell us about Roman society? Editor: That’s a lot to think about, especially how a small object could carry so much weight. Curator: Precisely. And by studying such artifacts, we can excavate deeper understandings of complex historical narratives.