Sestertius of Alexander Severus c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have a Sestertius, a Roman coin, minted under the authority of Severus Alexander. It's quite weighty at over 20 grams. Editor: It feels almost like a relic pulled straight from the earth—a tangible link to history, but in a way that whispers rather than shouts. Curator: Indeed. The obverse would have borne the emperor’s portrait, while the reverse often depicted allegorical figures or scenes representing imperial virtues. Editor: Given the wear, it's hard to discern much beyond the basic forms. It really speaks to the impermanence of power, even when immortalized on currency. Curator: Precisely. Its materiality, its very degradation, complicates any straightforward reading of imperial propaganda. Editor: Exactly. Though it aimed to project power, what remains is a testament to time's erosion. It invites us to ponder the grand narrative of Roman authority. Curator: An apt observation. The interplay of intended meaning and present condition is compelling. Editor: In the end, this coin asks: what survives beyond the emperors and their grand designs?