Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 210

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the wear and tear. It speaks to circulation, to countless hands that held this small piece of power. Editor: Indeed. We are looking at a Denarius of Septimius Severus, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman imperial power structures. Curator: How so? The image of the emperor isn't just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed performance of masculinity and authority. The laurel wreath, the strong jawline—all deliberate choices. Editor: Absolutely. Coinage served as a crucial tool for disseminating imperial ideology. Septimius Severus, through these images, directly communicated his legitimacy and strength throughout the Empire. Curator: I also wonder about who held this coin. Was it a soldier, a merchant, a woman? What did it mean for them to carry the emperor's face in their pocket? How did it shape their relationship to power? Editor: These are critical questions. By studying the distribution and archaeological context of these coins, we can begin to understand the social and economic networks of the time, revealing the daily lives intertwined with the Roman state. Curator: Precisely. The Denarius becomes a lens through which we can explore the intersection of gender, class, and imperial authority. Editor: A potent reminder that even the smallest objects can hold immense historical weight. Curator: It makes me realize the potential to re-evaluate our own socio-political contexts by exploring the function of items like these coins in the past. Editor: Yes, to better grasp the nuances of power dynamics and the ever-evolving role of imagery in our societies.