Sestertius of Commodus c. 2th century

Curator: This is a Sestertius of Commodus, a Roman coin. I'm struck by how time and touch have worn the details. Editor: To me, the wear and tear speaks volumes. It embodies the erosion of power, the transience of empire. Curator: Absolutely. Each scratch is a tiny history, a little story. Commodus was known for his narcissism and obsession with public image, which makes this coin a tangible piece of propaganda. Editor: Propaganda that reveals more about the exploitative socio-economic system of the Roman empire than about Commodus himself. Curator: Well said. I suppose, in a way, it mirrors our own contemporary obsessions with image and fleeting fame. Editor: Yes, and also about how symbols of power are always vulnerable to being re-interpreted by those they were designed to control. Curator: It’s funny how a coin meant to immortalize, instead becomes a reminder of mortality. Editor: Exactly. Even now, we're imprinting new meaning into this small bronze disc.