Denarius of Caracalla c. 215

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Caracalla, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Struck during his reign, this small silver coin provides a fascinating window into Roman imperial power and propaganda. Editor: It feels like a whispered secret from the past, doesn’t it? The worn surface makes me think of countless hands it must have passed through. Curator: Absolutely. The portrait of Caracalla, rendered in profile, projects an image of strength and authority, typical of how rulers cultivated their image. The other side depicts a Roman deity, reinforcing the link between imperial rule and divine legitimacy. Editor: Looking at this, I can't help but consider how this piece embodies the intersection of power, identity, and economics within the Roman Empire. What does it mean to have your face on money? It's kind of wild, really. Curator: Indeed, the Denarius of Caracalla serves as a powerful symbol of how identity and governance were carefully crafted and disseminated throughout the Roman world. Editor: It gives us so much to think about, even today.