Coin of Alexandria under Severus Alexander c. 234 - 235

Curator: Here we have a coin from Alexandria under Severus Alexander, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It weighs just over 10 grams. My first impression is that it feels weighty, not just in mass but also in historical significance. Editor: Absolutely, there's a somber quality to it, isn't there? The worn surface speaks volumes. And it's amazing to think about the labor involved in its production, from the mining of the metal to the striking of the image. Curator: Coins of this era were potent symbols of imperial power. The portrait of Severus Alexander would have been instantly recognizable, reinforcing his authority. Perhaps also giving comfort to his subjects. Editor: Right, coins as miniature propaganda. Each one representing an intricate, reproducible process. Understanding the trade routes it traveled can inform our understanding of the consumption patterns of its time. Curator: Exactly, and it's interesting how these small objects become vessels of cultural memory. Holding stories of emperors, empires, and everyday life. Editor: A reminder of the profound connections between materiality, labor, and the stories we tell ourselves about power.