Denarius of Juba II of Mauretania c. 16 - 17

Editor: This is a Denarius of Juba II of Mauretania, a small coin held in the Harvard Art Museums. It's so tiny, yet so detailed. What strikes me is the clarity of the profile despite the coin's age. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Note the crispness of the relief on both faces. The artist skillfully balances textual elements with representational imagery. Examine the symbolic weight of the star and crescent juxtaposed with the royal portrait. What semiotic relationships do you observe? Editor: The star and crescent seem to balance the weight of the portrait, creating a visual harmony. The wear on the coin adds another layer, telling a story of its age and journey. Curator: Indeed. The physicality of the object—its weight, its wear—contributes to its aesthetic value, prompting reflections on time, power, and representation. Editor: That’s a fresh way to look at it; thanks! Curator: My pleasure!