Sestertius of Volusian c. 251 - 253

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Volusian housed in the Harvard Art Museums. The portraits and architecture are worn, like a memory fading over time. What symbols do you see lingering here? Curator: The temple on the reverse symbolizes Roman power, yet its weathered state speaks to fragility, doesn't it? Consider how the Emperor's portrait, though idealized, is equally subject to decay. This coin encapsulates the impermanence of earthly rule and the enduring power of symbols. Editor: That's fascinating – the contrast between the intended message of power and the reality of decay. Thanks for sharing your insights. Curator: It’s a poignant reminder that even empires eventually crumble, but their symbols can echo through millennia.