Sestertius of Gordian III c. 3th century

Editor: This is a sestertius, a Roman coin, of Gordian III, at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s so small, but I can still see the craftsmanship. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda. The material itself, bronze, was relatively accessible, allowing for wide distribution and consumption of the emperor's image. Think about the labor involved in mining, minting, and circulating these objects – a vast social network supporting imperial power. Editor: So, it’s more than just a coin. It reflects Roman society itself. Curator: Precisely! The choice of material, the scale of production, and its ultimate circulation all speak volumes about the Roman economy and the emperor’s grip on power.