Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Editor: This is a Denarius of Severus Alexander. The artist is Severus Alexander himself, and it's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The coin’s worn surface and small size really speak to its history. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: We must consider the labor involved in producing such a coin. The mining of the silver, the skill of the die engraver, and the social structures that necessitated its production are paramount. How does its materiality reflect the Roman economy? Editor: So, you're focusing on the coin as a product of its time, beyond just its aesthetic value? Curator: Precisely. The coin isn't just an image; it's a tangible object representing power, trade, and the everyday lives of people within the Roman Empire. Its wear and tear are evidence of its use, its journey through history. Editor: I never thought about a coin this way before! Curator: Considering the means of production reveals the complex network of labor and resources behind even the smallest artifact.