Denarius of Elagabalus c. 218 - 219

Curator: We’re looking at a silver denarius issued during the reign of Elagabalus. It's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's striking how much detail is packed into such a small object. You can almost feel the weight of the silver itself. Curator: Absolutely. This coin is fascinating because Elagabalus, as emperor, promoted his Syrian sun god, also called Elagabalus, in Roman religious life. Editor: The material is fascinating; you can imagine the labor involved in minting thousands of these, the social cost of extracting the silver and creating the die. Curator: This coin represents a pivotal moment, reflecting the emperor's attempt to reshape Roman identity through religious reform and imperial power. Editor: It makes you think about the power dynamics involved: who controls the resources, whose image gets circulated, and who profits? Curator: It’s a tangible reminder of the cultural shifts during his brief but controversial reign. Editor: Seeing the coin like this makes you consider the hands that touched it, the transactions it facilitated. Curator: Indeed, it offers a glimpse into the political messaging of a turbulent era.