Sestertius of Philip I c. 3th century

Curator: This is a sestertius of Philip I, often called Philip the Arab. Editor: Immediately, I feel a weight of history just looking at it—it’s tactile, like holding a piece of time. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were tools of imperial propaganda, circulating images of the emperor, reinforcing his power throughout the Roman Empire. Think of it as ancient social media. Editor: And the wear and tear, the imperfections... it’s like a fingerprint of countless transactions, a silent witness to the rise and fall of fortunes. There's a story etched on its surface. Curator: The designs, like the one on this coin depicting what appears to be a set of standards or banners, held symbolic importance, connecting the emperor to the military and the gods. Editor: It's amazing to consider how much power such a small object held, shaping perceptions and solidifying authority. Curator: Indeed, it reminds us of the layers of meaning embedded within even the most mundane objects. Editor: A tiny portal into a colossal past; I’m strangely moved.