Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 222

Curator: This is a Denarius of Severus Alexander, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs a mere 2.91 grams. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the stark contrast between the detailed imagery and the worn, almost ethereal quality of the metal itself. Curator: The coin’s creation, the very act of minting and distributing currency, reflects the empire’s logistical and economic power. Think of the mines, the workshops, the labor involved! Editor: And on one face, the emperor himself, Severus Alexander, rendered with laurel leaves, suggesting triumph and authority. The other side depicts a figure holding scales, likely Justitia, personifying justice and order. Curator: The act of circulation transforms the coin into a tool for propaganda and control. Editor: These symbols, deeply embedded in Roman culture, were meant to convey stability and divine endorsement. It's a potent visual language, isn't it? Curator: Indeed, but the metal itself—the silver content, the alloy—also tells a story of resource management and imperial reach. Editor: The coin provides a tangible link to a distant civilization. It's fascinating how such a small object can hold so much history and meaning. Curator: Absolutely, it’s a testament to the power of even the humblest of materials. Editor: Precisely, symbols and context intertwine.