Denarius of Commodus c. 2th century

Curator: Here at the Harvard Art Museums, we have a silver denarius of Commodus. It's a fascinating little object weighing just 2.7 grams. Editor: It feels charged, doesn't it? Holding an image, literally an impression, of power. The deterioration just underscores that everything fades. Curator: Absolutely. On one side is Commodus, looking rather stern. The other side depicts a figure, possibly a deity, standing with symbols. Editor: The deity seems to hold a cornucopia, a classic symbol of abundance, almost a visual prayer for prosperity embodied by the emperor. Curator: These coins served as propaganda, of course, circulating images of the emperor and associating him with favorable virtues and divine approval. Editor: Right, each one a miniature billboard meant to seep into the subconscious, solidifying the emperor's authority in the minds of the populace. It's a striking blend of art and social control. Curator: It really is. Holding this little piece connects you to a whole empire, its ambitions, and its beliefs. Editor: I'm left pondering the weight that such tiny things can carry.