Sestertius of Valerian I c. 253

Curator: Before us we have a sestertius, essentially a bronze coin, of Valerian I, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Its patinated surface gives it a rather somber feel, doesn't it? The texture evokes the weight of history. Curator: Indeed. The portrait on one side, despite the wear, projects authority. Coins served as propaganda; a ruler's image reinforced power. Editor: And note the composition. The profile is deliberately positioned, filling almost the entire available space, creating a sense of forceful presence, even in miniature. Curator: Absolutely. Think of the countless hands this coin has passed through. Each transaction, each journey, adding layers to its silent narrative. It becomes a tangible link to a distant past. Editor: It also makes me appreciate how even objects as seemingly simple as coins can express a ruler’s intentions through design and materials. Curator: Precisely. It’s a subtle yet powerful cultural artifact, resonating with echoes of empire and individual lives.