Denarius of Elagabalus c. 220 - 222

Curator: Up next, we have a Denarius of Elagabalus, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, weighing in at just under 3 grams. Editor: The coin looks surprisingly worn, yet there's a distinct aura of historical weight to it. The details, though faded, hint at a story. Curator: Precisely. As currency produced during Elagabalus' reign, the coin's silver content and production quality reflect the economic and political climate of the time. The minting process itself provides insight into the available resources and labor practices. Editor: And considering Elagabalus' tumultuous reign, marked by religious controversy and social upheaval, this coin becomes a powerful symbol. How did his policies and personal identity impact the everyday lives of Roman citizens who handled this very object? It's about more than just its material composition; it speaks to the complex intersection of power, identity, and representation. Curator: I agree; analyzing the distribution of these coins reveals networks of trade and imperial control. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how a small piece of metal can encapsulate so much about a person and the times they lived in. Curator: Indeed, a tangible link to the past.