Sestertius of Gordian III c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have a sestertius, essentially a large bronze coin, of Gordian III. Look closely—it feels like holding a small piece of history, doesn't it? Editor: It's aged, definitely seen better days. But there's a weight to it, both physically and historically. I imagine the hands it's passed through. Curator: Exactly. This coin, issued during Gordian III's reign, provides insight into imperial portraiture and propaganda. The very metal, likely mined through immense labor, circulated to fund and fuel the empire. Editor: Right, we often forget the material reality—the mines, the smiths, the sheer logistics required to mint these things on such a scale. It’s not just about power, but production. Curator: Indeed. It offers such a tangible link to the past, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely, it's a small thing, but it whispers volumes about the Roman world.