Denarius of Elagabalus c. 219 - 220

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Elagabalus, a silver coin weighing just 2.6 grams. Notice its worn condition and the relief of a figure on one side. Editor: Yes, it feels incredibly tactile. One can almost feel the hands that have handled this coin through centuries of trade and exchange. Curator: Indeed. Elagabalus, known for his controversial reign and religious reforms, is depicted in profile. Considering the coin’s materiality, silver was a standard material for Roman currency. Editor: I find it fascinating how such a small object could carry the weight of imperial power, religious upheaval, and social change. It truly embodies the intersection of politics and personal identity. Curator: Agreed. The coin serves as a powerful reminder of how intertwined material culture is with the complexities of gender, race, and the broader historical context. Editor: Reflecting on this, it underscores how objects like this coin become vessels for understanding our past and the material realities of power.