Sestertius of Maximinus I 

Curator: Here we have a sestertius of Maximinus I Thrax, attributed to Maximinus himself. It weighs 17.24 grams. Editor: It's fascinating to see this artifact, so small yet so charged with the ambition and perhaps the anxiety of empire. I can almost feel its weight in my hand. Curator: Indeed. The depiction of Maximinus bears all the hallmarks of power: the laurel wreath, the strong profile. But there's also a sense of urgency in his expression, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. Given the social and material conditions under which this coin was produced, the bronze, the labor, it's a potent reminder of the economic engine that fueled Roman power. Curator: And the image on the reverse, with the figure of Pax, hints at the emperor's desire to project an image of peace and prosperity, regardless of the reality. Editor: Right, so we have peace being struck into the coinage by those who were often waging war! Intriguing. Curator: It really encapsulates how even a small object can carry so much historical meaning. Editor: I agree, understanding the resources and labor gives us a deeper understanding.