Denarius of Julia Domna 196 - 211

Curator: This is a denarius of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. Look closely at the details etched into this tiny silver disc. Editor: It has a subdued quality, despite the regality one might expect. The silver is worn, lending it a kind of melancholy. Curator: Indeed. Roman coinage often served as a tool for projecting power. Julia Domna, though not an emperor herself, held significant influence. Editor: The composition is interesting. On one side, her profile, sharp and commanding. On the other, what appears to be a depiction of a goddess. Curator: That’s right. She is often associated with Ceres, goddess of agriculture, or other figures representing abundance. Editor: It’s intriguing how something so small can carry so much symbolic weight, reflecting the complexities of power and identity. Curator: Absolutely. This coin whispers stories of empire, influence, and the enduring power of images. Editor: It shows how even seemingly mundane objects can become profound historical testaments.