Denarius of Julia Paula 219 - 220

Editor: So, this is a Denarius of Julia Paula, with no specific date. It's small, metallic... and looks pretty worn. It must have been widely circulated. What can we say about its historical impact? Curator: This coin offers a glimpse into the public image of Julia Paula, a Roman Empress briefly married to Elagabalus. Minting coins with her image was a calculated act of imperial propaganda, meant to legitimize her position and, by extension, the emperor's rule. Editor: How so? Did everyone have a personal coin back then? Curator: Not everyone, but the imagery on these coins—portraits of the imperial family, depictions of deities or virtues—reached a wide audience, shaping public perception and reinforcing the emperor’s power and authority. How effective do you think it was? Editor: It's interesting to think of something so small carrying so much political weight. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! These objects reveal the intersection of art, power, and society in the Roman world.