Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Editor: This is a denarius of Severus Alexander, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small coin, but seeing the two sides next to each other makes me wonder about their relationship. What do you see in this piece, especially considering the imagery and its potential meaning in the context of Roman power? Curator: Well, the coin reveals much about the emperor's self-presentation, and Roman imperial ideology. The portrait is likely an idealized one to project a specific image of power and legitimacy. Who was he trying to appeal to, and what social structures was he trying to reinforce? Editor: I hadn't thought about how power dynamics play into it. It's like he's crafting a specific narrative through a mass-produced object. Curator: Exactly. Coins were a form of propaganda. By studying its imagery, we can unpack the narratives that upheld hierarchies and cultural norms of the time. It's a lens into Roman society. Editor: This has really opened my eyes to seeing coins as more than just currency, but as powerful historical documents. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's crucial to always consider the socio-political context surrounding such artworks.