Denarius of P. Licinius M.f. P.n. Crassus, Rome c. 55 BCE

Curator: This is a Denarius, a Roman silver coin, made by P. Licinius Crassus, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What strikes me is the way it feels so ancient, yet the imagery is so crisp. It is like holding a story in your hand. Curator: Exactly! The coin's design is rich with symbolism. On one side, we see a bust of a woman, possibly Roma, the embodiment of Rome. Editor: The wolf and the figures on the other side hint at a foundational myth, don't they? A connection to Romulus and Remus, perhaps? Curator: Precisely. It evokes a sense of Roman heritage. It is a reminder of power and the stories they wanted to tell about themselves. Editor: It’s fascinating how such a small object carries such an incredible weight of meaning. Almost magical. Curator: It truly is, and by studying its imagery, we get a tangible link to the past, like a portal to ancient Rome.