Sestertius of Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, depicting Commodus. It is undated. It seems small but mighty. The coin is a brownish green color. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Let's consider the materiality of this coin. Bronze wasn't just pulled from the ground; it was mined, smelted, and alloyed. Who controlled those resources, and how did that power influence the image stamped upon it? The depiction of Commodus himself speaks to this consumption of resources. Editor: That is a great way to look at the coin. I’ll remember that going forward. Curator: It’s fascinating to consider how even something as small as a coin can reveal vast systems of labor and control.