Denarius of L. Saufeius, Rome c. 152

Curator: This is a Roman Denarius, a silver coin made by L. Saufeius. The obverse features Roma, the personification of Rome, wearing a winged helmet. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the tension between the delicate detail and the somewhat brutal quality of the metal. It feels very Roman. Curator: Indeed. The imagery is deeply symbolic. Roma, of course, embodies the state, and the reverse depicts Victory driving a biga, a two-horse chariot. Editor: Victory, as a powerful symbol of military might, became a propaganda tool. The biga emphasizes action, dominance. It's interesting how monetary art reinforces the state's narrative. Curator: These symbols were carefully chosen to project power and instill a sense of Roman identity throughout the Republic. Editor: Examining how such items circulated surely gives insight into the values that underpinned Roman society. Curator: Precisely, it is a tangible fragment of a very powerful cultural narrative. Editor: I’ll consider the reach of the coin a bit more on my way home.