Sestertius of Commodus 

Editor: This is the Sestertius of Commodus from the Harvard Art Museums. Being so worn, it makes me think about the passage of time and the impermanence of power. What story do you think it whispers? Curator: Ah, whispers of emperors, indeed! For me, each imperfection is a brushstroke of history, an intimate glimpse into a life and a legacy. It also reminds me that even those who seem immortal are, alas, just as mortal as we are. Editor: So, is its beauty found in its history, more than its design? Curator: Precisely. It's less about the crisp lines and more about the journey. Like finding a seashell on the beach and suddenly imagining the vast ocean, you know? What does it stir in you? Editor: I guess I see that the details become less important than the bigger picture of its journey. Thanks for sharing your perspective.