Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 225

Curator: Here we have a denarius of Severus Alexander, a small silver coin currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It's remarkably intact, wouldn’t you say? Editor: It’s quite striking, even in this condition. It projects a sense of authority, but also vulnerability, given its diminutive scale and worn edges. Curator: The coin offers a glimpse into the social and political landscape of the Roman Empire. It embodies power dynamics and imperial messaging. The very act of minting and distributing these coins was a powerful form of propaganda. Editor: Precisely. And think about how the coin itself became a medium for disseminating ideology. The portrait of Severus Alexander isn't just a likeness; it's a carefully constructed representation of imperial authority, circulated throughout the empire, reinforcing his image and legitimacy. Curator: Considering its history, from its creation to its circulation, it's a testament to how seemingly insignificant objects can carry immense cultural weight. I wonder who held this, what their lives were like? Editor: Yes, and thinking about the hands it passed through, the stories it could tell—it’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of people across time.