Serrate Denarius of L. Papius, Rome c. 79 BCE

Curator: Let's consider this Serrate Denarius of L. Papius, a Roman coin found within the Harvard Art Museums collection, crafted by the moneyer L. Papius. Editor: It's lovely! There's something about the worn metal and those serrated edges that makes it feel ancient and a bit mysterious. Curator: Indeed. The depiction of the Roman figure on one side and the griffin on the other evokes powerful symbols of Roman authority and mythological strength, respectively. The figure's gender and status can be further examined in terms of historical gender roles. Editor: Absolutely. It’s amazing how such a tiny object can hold so much history and symbolism. You can almost feel the weight of the past in your hand, can’t you? Curator: Definitely! Examining its circulation and socio-economic impact further contextualizes its role within the Roman political landscape. Editor: I'm leaving with a sense of wonder about all those hands it might have passed through. It's like a tiny time capsule.