Denarius of Elagabalus c. 222

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Elagabalus, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It's a small silver coin, only about 3 grams. Editor: Even in this state, the coin still feels powerful. I'm immediately drawn to the portrait; there's an almost defiant look in his eye. Curator: Indeed. It's intriguing how Elagabalus, as emperor, used coinage to assert his authority and propagate his religious beliefs, especially the cult of Sol Invictus. Editor: The sun god! I see the altar, and is that a star? The imagery directly connects him with divine power, a deliberate attempt to influence public perception. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were potent tools. They circulated widely, acting as miniature billboards of imperial ideology. Editor: These symbols are fascinating, aren't they? They show us how Elagabalus wanted to be seen. It's a glimpse into the mind of a ruler. Curator: Yes, and seeing its wear tells us something about its journey and the people who handled it. Editor: The coin’s resilience, even with damage, seems to mirror Elagabalus's own tumultuous, albeit brief, reign.