Antoninianus of Gordian III 243 - 244

Curator: This is an Antoninianus of Gordian III, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums, weighing a mere 4.44 grams. Editor: Even in this condition, the coin’s worn imagery evokes the weight of Roman imperial authority, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed, the very material speaks volumes. These coins facilitated trade, paid soldiers, and fueled the Roman economy. Think of the labor extracted to mine the metal, the craftsmanship to mint it! Editor: And the symbolism! The Emperor’s portrait, the divine figures… Each image carefully chosen to project power and legitimacy across the empire. Curator: It's a fascinating intersection of propaganda and practical economics, a tiny object with enormous social implications. Editor: Looking at it now, I am reminded of the enduring echoes of empire. Curator: A powerful reminder of the forces that shape our material world.