Denarius of P. Clodius M.f., Rome 42 BCE

Curator: Up next we have a Roman silver coin; a Denarius of P. Clodius M.f. It's currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels small, burdened by history. You can practically smell the metal. Curator: It does carry weight. The coin was struck by P. Clodius M.f. himself, a moneyer in Rome. Editor: I notice the severe profile, classic Roman nose. The other side seems to show a figure, maybe a goddess, flanked by emblems. Curator: It depicts Diana, holding a bow and quiver, a symbol perhaps of Clodius's connection to the goddess or even a claim to her attributes. Editor: Right, and the crisp lines, even worn, they still convey so much about power, about image. Curator: Coins like these were the propaganda tools of their day. Editor: In a way, so much story in such a little piece of metal. Curator: Indeed, holding it, you hold a tangible link to an ancient world.