Antoninianus of Otacilia Severa, wife of Philip I c. 246 - 249

Curator: This is an Antoninianus of Otacilia Severa, wife of Philip I, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Well, isn't that a charming little ghost of an empire? It looks like whispers of power, worn smooth by time. Curator: Absolutely. These coins offer a fascinating window into the visual language of the Roman Empire and the role of women in projecting imperial power. Editor: It’s interesting to imagine who held this, what they bought with it, what their daily life was. Like holding a tiny piece of their story. Curator: Indeed. The circulation of these coins played a crucial role in disseminating images of the emperor and his family, shaping their public perception. Editor: Knowing that this coin, with its careful portrait, once traveled through that world makes history feel less like dusty books and more like a shared breath.