Sestertius of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, a coin of Severus Alexander. The wear and tear really speak to the coin's age and material. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The coin, beyond its iconic imagery, embodies complex labor systems. Think about the extraction of the metal, the skilled artisan crafting the die, and the vast Roman economy it facilitated. How does considering that materiality influence your view? Editor: It makes me think of the resources and labor required to create even a seemingly small object. It's a lot of social context embedded in this little coin! Curator: Precisely. This sestertius isn't just currency; it's a dense record of production and power dynamics. Editor: That gives me a lot to reflect on. Thanks for pointing that out.