Sestertius of Lucius Verus c. 161 - 162

Curator: This sestertius, a bronze coin, features Lucius Verus, who co-ruled the Roman Empire with Marcus Aurelius. Editor: Immediately I see a quiet dignity in this profile, a stoic weariness. But also, what stories this little coin could tell if it could talk! Curator: Indeed, the imagery and inscriptions on Roman coins served as propaganda, communicating power and legitimacy to the populace. Here, the figures on the reverse likely represent Concordia, symbolizing harmony within the empire. Editor: Harmony achieved through the weight of bronze, right? Funny how power often translates into material objects, like this coin, smoothed by time and touch. There's a strange beauty in that paradox. Curator: It's a tangible link to the past, reflecting how even everyday objects reinforced the structures of Roman society. Editor: Absolutely, a small, weighty reminder of empires, power, and the stories they leave behind.