Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 198 - 199

Curator: This is a Denarius of Septimius Severus, located here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a humble little thing, just over 3 grams, but look at the stories it holds. Editor: It has a solemn weight, doesn’t it? Something about the worn silver, the way the images have softened…it feels like holding a ghost. Curator: Exactly! On one side, you have the emperor himself, Septimius Severus, depicted in profile. On the other, a figure, probably a goddess, seated and holding a symbol of power. Editor: I'm curious about the power dynamics inherent in such objects. Coins aren't just currency, they are also propaganda tools, right? Circulating ideas about leadership and imperial control. Curator: Absolutely. Every detail, from the emperor's laurel wreath to the goddess's regalia, was carefully considered to project an image of strength and legitimacy. It makes you wonder about the messages we carry around in our pockets today. Editor: Indeed. Objects like this offer us a tangible link to a complex, and often brutal, past. I think the stories they whisper back to us are vital. Curator: Well said. It's not just a coin, it's a miniature monument, speaking volumes across centuries.