Denarius of Julia Domna c. 196 - 211

Curator: This small silver coin, a denarius, features Julia Domna, wife of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. Editor: It’s like holding history in your palm, isn’t it? This tiny portrait carries a certain weight. Curator: Indeed. Note the meticulous detail in the coiffure and the sharp profile. It's a powerful study in imperial representation through numismatic art. Editor: And the wear and tear—the chipped edges. I wonder about the hands it passed through, the stories it could tell. Curator: The material evidence of its use is fascinating. The wear is not just decay; it contributes to the coin's aura, its signifying presence. Editor: Yes, it really connects you to the past—I find it evocative, really. A queen compressed into a small, worn, metallic disc. Curator: A poignant reminder of the enduring power of even the most ephemeral objects. Editor: Absolutely. Small, but mighty, this little coin.