Denarius? of Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this diminutive artwork: a Denarius, possibly of Septimius Severus, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Well, right away I feel the weight of history in something so small. It's worn, almost like a whisper from the past. Curator: Exactly. A silver coin, weighing just 2.58 grams, it offers a glimpse into the Roman Empire. One side shows, presumably, Severus himself, and the other, a figure on horseback. Editor: That equestrian motif always screams power to me. It’s so striking, even on such a tiny scale, though the figure is quite difficult to distinguish. What tales could this object tell about its journeys? Curator: Indeed. Think of the hands it passed through, the transactions it facilitated. It’s a powerful testament to the endurance of even the smallest of artifacts. Editor: It really is, isn’t it? A solid reminder of how empires and daily lives are intertwined.