Sestertius of Philip I c. 3th century

Editor: This is a Sestertius of Philip I, the Arab, it's undated and resides at Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by how such a small object could carry so much historical weight. How do we even begin to interpret its significance? Curator: Well, consider what this coin *did*. It wasn’t just currency; it was propaganda. The image of Philip I was carefully crafted and widely distributed. What does that tell us about how he wanted to be perceived? Editor: So, it's a form of controlled messaging, like a modern political campaign ad? Curator: Precisely. And its survival in museums today? It speaks to the enduring power of images and the institutions that preserve and interpret them, shaping our understanding of the past. Editor: That's fascinating, seeing this ancient coin as a carefully constructed message about power. Curator: Exactly! The politics of imagery are timeless.