Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 223

Editor: This is a Denarius of Severus Alexander from the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, worn, but still carries the weight of history. How do you interpret this work as a historical object? Curator: The denarius served as currency, yes, but more importantly, it was a tool for disseminating imperial imagery and ideology. Consider the portraits: idealized, yet strategic in projecting power and legitimacy throughout the Roman Empire. Who exactly was seeing this coin, and what did its message mean to them? Editor: So it's not just money, it's propaganda? Curator: Precisely! This coin reflects the public role of art in constructing and maintaining socio-political control. It's a potent reminder that even the smallest object can carry immense political weight. Editor: It's amazing to think about the messages these little coins carried. Curator: Exactly! And the coin’s material and circulation tell fascinating stories about Roman economics and influence.