Denarius of P. Cornelius P.f. Sulla, Rome c. 151

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of P. Cornelius P.f. Sulla, a Roman coin housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how much information is compressed into such a tiny object. The worn surface tells a story of handling, trade, and circulation across centuries. Curator: Indeed. The head on the obverse is likely a depiction of Venus, a powerful symbol of beauty, love, and perhaps even the ambition of Sulla himself. Editor: And on the reverse, the imagery of the triumph – a driver in a four-horse chariot, celebrates military victory and the power of the state—all produced from extracted metals. Curator: Precisely. These coins served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing power through recognizable symbols, shaping collective memory. Editor: Yes, it is fascinating to consider how the physical coin served to solidify the power of the Roman Empire. Curator: Examining this piece allows us to literally hold a piece of history and see how visual symbols were used to shape perception and reinforce authority. Editor: I'm struck by how such a humble artifact can reveal so much about labor, value, and power.