Sestertius of Gordian III 

Curator: This is a sestertius of Gordian III, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The oxidation lends the coin an eerie feel, as if it's whispering stories from a bygone world. Curator: Absolutely. On one side, we see Gordian III's portrait, and on the other, a standing figure, likely representing a deity or virtue. Editor: The figure is compelling. Consider how it reflects the projection of imperial power, turning the emperor into an almost divine figure. Curator: It’s a fascinating glimpse into the visual language of power in ancient Rome and how such imagery was disseminated. Editor: A small object, certainly, but potent in its cultural resonance. Curator: Yes, a powerful artifact of Roman imperial ambition and belief, shrunk to fit in the palm.