Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 207

Curator: Immediately, the weathered surface speaks of countless transactions and the weight of history. Editor: Indeed, this is a silver denarius of Septimius Severus, presently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Curator: Notice the careful craftsmanship, even on such a small, utilitarian object. The silver itself would have been a valuable resource, controlled and distributed to benefit the Emperor. Editor: Precisely, the imagery is also important. The profile portrait of Severus connects him directly to the power and tradition of Rome. The reverse, featuring perhaps an eagle or a deity, speaks to his authority. Curator: It’s a fascinating example of how power is materialized and circulated. Consider the labor involved in mining, refining, and minting the silver. This coin is a little world of ancient economic power. Editor: Absolutely. And beyond the material, it's a symbolic object: it's a symbol of wealth, power, and imperial authority, traveling through generations. Curator: Ultimately, a small coin that offers big insights into the workings of an ancient empire. Editor: A tangible reminder of how symbols and systems intertwine across time.