Denarius of Julia Mamaea c. 228

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Mamaea, a silver coin from the Roman Empire. Its weight is just over 3 grams. Editor: There's an undeniable austerity to this piece. The monochrome palette and the stoic profile render a quiet, almost melancholic mood. Curator: Coins like this served as propaganda. Julia Mamaea was a powerful woman, mother of Emperor Severus Alexander. Her image broadcasted imperial authority. Editor: Yes, but let's consider the politics of representation. The image is carefully curated to project power, yes, but also perhaps to subtly negotiate her role within the existing patriarchal structures. How much agency did she genuinely have? Curator: An excellent point. Analyzing the imagery within its socio-political moment helps us unpack these nuances. The figure on the reverse side symbolizes Felicitas, the Roman goddess of good fortune and success, and it would have been crucial to the coin's function. Editor: It's fascinating to see the intersections of gender, power, and cultural symbolism condensed onto such a small object. There’s so much to unpack here.