Sestertius of Commodus c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a sestertius, a bronze coin bearing the image of Commodus, a Roman emperor. It weighs just over 18 grams. Editor: It’s amazing to consider the weight of history held in such a small object. The wear and tear speak volumes. Curator: Coins like these served as potent symbols of imperial power and propaganda. The emperor’s portrait would have been instantly recognizable. Editor: Yet the question remains: power for whom? Commodus's reign was marked by instability and excess, which makes this object a complicated symbol of Roman authority. Curator: Precisely. It reflects not just the emperor's image but the cultural memory of his rule, however tarnished that may be. Editor: It urges us to rethink grand narratives by focusing on how ancient power structures intersect with contemporary realities of inequality. Curator: Absolutely. Even a simple coin carries complex layers of meaning.