Denarius of Julia Maesa 218 - 223

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Maesa, a small silver coin residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks remarkably austere, doesn't it? The imagery feels formal, almost rigidly so. Curator: Roman coinage served as propaganda; this one depicts Julia Maesa, grandmother of emperors, holding significant political power behind the scenes. Editor: The seated figure on the reverse, possibly Pietas, embodies idealized Roman virtues of duty and reverence. It's a powerful visual symbol, reinforcing the family's legitimacy. Curator: Absolutely. These images directly influenced the public perception of the imperial family and the state's stability. The coin itself becomes a tool in managing imperial power. Editor: Considering its size, it's incredible how much symbolic weight it carries. Curator: Indeed, a tiny object reflecting vast societal and political complexities. Editor: Makes you wonder about the hands it passed through.