Sestertius of Alexander Severus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Alexander Severus, from the Harvard Art Museums. The bronze is so worn; it really speaks to how this object was used. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Let's consider the production process. This coin wasn't just currency; it was a tool for disseminating power. The repetitive act of striking these coins, the labor involved, reinforces the emperor's image across the vast Roman empire and the consumption of materials. Editor: So, it's more than just money? Curator: Precisely! The sestertius embodies imperial reach, not just financially, but ideologically. Consider the material value versus the symbolic weight. What survives over time? Editor: That’s a powerful perspective! I’ll definitely think about that relationship more deeply. Curator: Indeed! Reflect on how objects shape our understanding of history, even in their deteriorated state.