Denarius of L. Julius, Rome c. 141

Curator: This Roman coin, a Denarius, was made by L. Julius. Editor: It’s tiny, yet the imagery is so striking, even now. The profile feels austere and powerful. Curator: These coins, symbols of Roman authority, were both a medium of exchange and propaganda. The imagery reinforced the state's power. Editor: Absolutely. The helmet, the strong jawline—classic symbols of leadership and military might, carefully crafted for a society steeped in visual language. Curator: And they circulated widely, embedding these symbols into the daily lives, and shaping the perceptions of the Roman populace. Editor: To hold this is to touch the past, in a way. A shared symbol, a common visual touchstone for an entire civilization. Curator: Precisely, it highlights how art functions within systems of power and administration. Editor: It certainly gives you a lot to think about.