Sestertius of Gordian III 

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, a coin made by Gordian III. It looks small but dense. The details, especially on the portrait, are incredibly precise. What do you see when you look at it? Curator: The coin's intrinsic value lies in its representation of imperial power and its meticulous design. Note the high relief of the portrait. Editor: What does that tell us? Curator: It indicates a deliberate emphasis on the Emperor's image, a common strategy for legitimizing rule. Furthermore, the patina, that green-brown surface, provides a sense of age and authenticity, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Editor: So the coin's design choices support its function. Curator: Precisely. The craftsmanship, the iconography, and even the coin's physical presence all contribute to its message of authority. Editor: I see it now; it is about the construction of power through form.