Denarius of Julia Soaemias c. 218 - 222

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Soaemias, created during the reign of Elagabalus. It's such a tiny silver coin, but seeing the faces worn into the metal really does make me wonder, what stories do you think it could tell? Curator: Well, if this coin could talk! Imagine the hands it passed through, the transactions it witnessed. More than just currency, it's portable propaganda, isn't it? Julia Soaemias was the mother of Elagabalus, and essentially ruled through him. The coin portrays her as a divine figure, which adds an element of reverence. Editor: So it’s not just money, it's a statement? Curator: Exactly! Power, religion, family ties – all neatly packaged in a little silver disc. It's really fascinating to think how much history can be embedded in a single, unassuming object. Editor: I’ll definitely look at coins differently from now on.