Denarius of P. Sulpicius Galba, Rome c. 69 BCE

Curator: This is a denarius, a Roman silver coin, issued by P. Sulpicius Galba. The coin, now at the Harvard Art Museums, weighs just under 4 grams. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the relief. The surfaces are worn, but the details are still remarkably crisp. Curator: Indeed. The obverse features a veiled female head, likely Vesta, a crucial figure in Roman religious and social life. The veil and the 'S C' mark on the coin refer to the authority of the Senate in its minting. This speaks to Vesta's association with the state's hearth. Editor: On the reverse, we see a sacrificial knife, an axe, and a crescent. The arrangement and depiction of these objects reflect an attempt at balance and harmony, even if the engraving itself is somewhat primitive. Curator: These symbols are associated with priestly duties and, possibly, Galba's lineage and aspirations within the religious sphere, and his connection to the Roman state. Editor: It’s fascinating how such a small object carries so much symbolic weight. The composition itself becomes a statement of power and identity. Curator: Absolutely. The coin provides insight into the intersection of power, religion, and identity in Republican Rome. Editor: And it is a powerful display of graphic design and an interesting use of metal. I'm left thinking about how carefully these symbols were chosen and arranged.