Sestertius of Trebonianus Gallus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Trebonianus Gallus from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a weighty piece of metal, almost 18 grams, and I'm immediately struck by the contrast between the crisp portrait and the worn texture of the coin itself. What do you see here? Curator: Focusing solely on its form, we observe an intentional juxtaposition. The effigy, though degraded, retains a sharp relief, contrasting with the smooth, almost planar field around it. Note the circular composition, framed by the inscription, leading the eye back to the central image. Editor: So, the formal elements create a sort of visual cycle? Curator: Precisely. This structured interplay between figure and ground invites us to consider the coin not merely as currency, but as a meticulously designed object. Editor: I see it now - the design really emphasizes its symbolic intent. Thanks!