Denarius of Julia Mamaea, Rome c. 230

Curator: This is a silver denarius of Julia Mamaea, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how the material's wear and tear tells its own story. You can almost feel the hands it passed through. Curator: Indeed. The image of Julia Mamaea is rendered in profile, surrounded by an inscription, while the reverse shows a seated figure. It’s a fascinating interplay of power and representation. Editor: Absolutely. The coin itself, as a form of currency, was a tool of imperial propaganda. Silver was carefully measured, alloyed, and stamped, reflecting Rome's economic and social systems. It's all about labor and process! Curator: Quite so, and the intentional composition and the choice of imagery reinforce her status. The coin’s value, both literal and symbolic, is undeniable. Editor: Seeing the evidence of everyday use really brings this moment to life. The coin allows us to imagine the society that created and circulated it.