Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 198 - 200

Curator: This is a denarius of Septimius Severus, a Roman emperor from the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums, weighing in at a delicate 3.28 grams. Editor: There's something starkly beautiful about its simplicity. So small, yet it speaks of empires. The silver's worn, like a well-loved story. I wonder how many hands it's passed through? Curator: Indeed, its small size belies its enormous cultural significance. Coins like this weren't just currency, they were powerful propaganda tools. Septimius Severus used them to project his image and solidify his rule across the Roman Empire. Editor: Ah, yes, image is everything, isn't it? The portrait is rather striking – a strong, resolute profile. He seems to be staring defiantly into the future, even as the coin ages into our present. Does that figure on the back hold significance? Curator: Certainly! The reverse typically depicts a deity associated with the emperor, reinforcing his legitimacy and divine favor. These images were very carefully chosen to communicate specific messages to the Roman citizenry. Editor: It makes you consider the power of visual symbolism throughout history. This tiny coin, an entire political and economic system condensed into a palm-sized object. Curator: Absolutely, it reminds us of how objects become entangled with power, and how even the smallest item can carry immense weight. Editor: What a fascinating little window into a bygone era.