AR Caracalla 

Editor: Here we have a coin, AR Caracalla, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn details give it a ghostly feel, like holding a piece of history in your hand. What symbols or narratives do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: The presence of Caracalla immortalized in metal speaks volumes. The imagery connects us to the ideals of power, authority, and deification. Note how the laurel wreath signifies victory and status, a loaded image that resonates even today. Editor: So, this coin acted as a powerful symbol during its time. Curator: Precisely. Currency wasn’t just about monetary value. It was also about propagating the emperor's image and associated virtues. What do you make of the figure on the reverse side? Editor: It seems to embody strength, maybe even a divine quality? Curator: Indeed! It speaks to Caracalla's ambitions and how he wanted to be perceived. A potent visual statement, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely! I see this coin in a completely new light now.