Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 201s

Curator: Here we have a denarius of Septimius Severus, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's tiny, isn't it? And worn smooth. Yet that silvery sheen persists, as does the crisp profile. It feels remarkably intimate. Curator: These coins served as vehicles for imperial propaganda. Severus, a military man who seized power, used coinage to legitimize his rule and project an image of strength. Editor: The composition is brilliant. The truncation of the Emperor's bust amplifies his imposing presence within this small round. Curator: Indeed. These coins circulated widely, shaping public perception of Severus throughout the Roman Empire. Editor: It's a humble object, yet within its tiny sphere resides the weight of an empire. Curator: A potent reminder that even the smallest artifacts can reveal vast historical landscapes.