Triens of C. Scribonius, Rome c. 154

Curator: Here we have a Triens of C. Scribonius, a Roman coin, stamped by the moneyer C. Scribonius and residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, the worn texture strikes me, along with its diminutive scale. It feels intensely tactile, a piece of history I could hold in my hand. Curator: Indeed. A Roman coin served not just as currency, but also as a powerful piece of propaganda. The imagery—a portrait of a deity, perhaps—and the ship evoke ideas of power and prosperity. Editor: Notice how the patinated surface and corroded edges lend an air of antiquity, obscuring details yet amplifying the sense of time's passage, and how the artist uses these simple lines to create a strong composition. Curator: The ship, likely a war galley, symbolizes Rome's maritime power and its control over trade routes, the image would resonate deeply within the Roman psyche, reinforcing notions of dominance. Editor: And yet, the coin's small size juxtaposes with the grand narratives it conveys, forcing a close examination of the details and reminding us of the weight of history contained within this small object. Curator: Precisely. Visuals and the values of the civilization. Food for thought in a little coin. Editor: Absolutely. It is a small but profound object offering insight into the formal and cultural vocabulary of Roman art.