Sestertius of Commodus c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a sestertius, a bronze coin featuring Commodus. Its weight is approximately 30.11 grams. The artist would have been Commodus himself. Editor: There's something so sad about seeing this little face immortalized in metal. It's like a tiny, weighty tragedy. Curator: Indeed. The profile, while worn, still conveys a sense of imperial authority. The other side depicts a standing figure, likely a representation of a deity. Editor: It makes you think, doesn't it? How much power and personality can be stamped onto such a small, tangible thing? It’s humbling. Curator: The semiotic weight of this object is immense. It speaks to power, economy, and the cult of personality in ancient Rome. Editor: Right, and the fact that it's survived all this time...it still holds a flicker of that fire, I think. Curator: A poignant reminder of history. Editor: Absolutely, and the stories it could tell.