Denarius of P. Cornelius P.f. Sulla, Rome c. 151

Curator: Here we have a denarius, a Roman silver coin, of P. Cornelius P.f. Sulla, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's surprisingly small, yet the images are remarkably detailed, despite the wear and tear. You can almost feel the weight of history it carries. Curator: Indeed. The coin is not just currency; it's a piece of propaganda. On one side, we see the head of Roma, the personification of Rome, while the other depicts a chariot scene. Editor: Looking at the craftsmanship, the detail on the horses and the figure in the chariot is striking. The process of die-striking these coins must have required skilled labor. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were integral to Roman society, facilitating trade and projecting power. This one reminds us how art was used in public life. Editor: It's incredible to think about who might have held this coin and the transactions it facilitated. An object of art, labor, and material value, all in one.