Sestertius of Commodus c. 2th century

Curator: This artifact is a sestertius, a Roman coin, depicting Commodus. Even on this tiny surface, his image looms large. Editor: It feels weighty, doesn’t it? I mean, metaphorically. The heft of empire, pressed into this bronze disc. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these served as a propaganda tool, shaping public perception of the emperor. Each symbol carefully chosen. Editor: So, what statements were they making? I can make out two figures on the reverse. Curator: The figures depict a sacrifice scene, possibly emphasizing Commodus's role in upholding religious traditions and maintaining the pax deorum, the peace of the gods. Editor: Interesting how even the smallest objects can speak volumes about the politics of their time. Curator: Absolutely. They are echoes of power, resonating across millennia. Editor: Yes, an echo that reveals the ongoing interplay between leadership, legacy, and iconography.