Sestertius of Balbinus 238

Editor: Here we have the "Sestertius of Balbinus" residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small, but the textures on the coin face really stand out. What can you tell me about this coin's artistic value? Curator: For me, it's about the means of production. How was this object crafted? What materials were available? And what does its existence tell us about Roman society's economic and political structures? Editor: Fascinating! So, more than just a portrait, it's a window into ancient Roman labor and resources? Curator: Precisely. It challenges our modern separation of art and craft by highlighting the labor and materiality inherent in even the most functional objects. Consider who mined the metals, who struck the coin, and how its circulation shaped daily life. Editor: I see it now! The coin isn't just currency; it's a record of material processes. Curator: Exactly. Thinking about it in terms of consumption brings a whole new dimension.