Denarius of Septimius Severus 

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Septimius Severus, residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It's a glimpse into the Roman Empire, quite literally pocket change from an era of immense power. Editor: It's worn, certainly. But I'm struck by how the remaining textures catch the light—the way the artist's engraving still asserts itself despite the denarius's age and use. Curator: Absolutely. These coins weren't just currency; they were propaganda. The emperor’s image, the inscriptions—they all served to project authority and solidify his rule across the vast empire. Editor: I see how the composition emphasizes the face, the gaze meant to project outward. It’s meant to have a psychological effect, even on a small scale. Curator: Indeed. Each coin carried the weight of the state. The silver content, of course, had intrinsic value, but the message it conveyed was priceless. Editor: Thinking about the hand that struck this coin and the hands that carried it... It is a powerful object, considering its size. Curator: It truly is. A tangible link to a past world, full of complex histories. Editor: This brief encounter changes how I'll look at pocket change from now on.