Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Severus Alexander, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. What's your initial impression? Editor: The composition is fascinating; two sides of power and symbolism compressed onto a single, small object. It feels weighty despite its size. Curator: Indeed. Its 2.79 grams represented significant economic power and social control. Consider the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking these coins. Editor: And the artistry! Look at the detail in the emperor's profile, the incised lettering... it's an exquisite example of miniature relief. Curator: The coin also acted as propaganda, circulating images of imperial power, impacting the daily lives of the Roman population by controlling trade and reinforcing social hierarchies. Editor: True, but the focus on form still delivers beauty, even now. Examining this object through semiotics illuminates power, wealth, and authority. Curator: Absolutely. The materials themselves speak volumes about Roman economic and political strategies. I see now the complex social systems. Editor: A coin offers a glimpse into form and content, I’d say.