Coin of Aegae under Severus Alexander c. 222 - 235

Curator: This coin, attributed to Severus Alexander, and hailing from Aegae, presents a fascinating portal into the past. I find myself wondering about its journey through time. Editor: There is something undeniably compelling about this object. The textured surfaces and patinated bronze speak of age and of having been held, passed from hand to hand as a medium of exchange. Curator: As currency, these coins had propagandistic value. Coinage often bore the ruler's image, a direct link between imperial power and daily economic life. Editor: I agree, the materiality of the coin underscores its social function. What does the crafting of money and control of it represent for the artist, who in this case is also a political figure? Curator: We can also imagine this object in circulation during a period of political unrest during Severus Alexander's turbulent reign. Editor: Precisely. Considering its physical size and heft, it's a reminder of how tangible power and authority once were. Curator: Yes, reflecting on the coin's presence here at Harvard speaks to the role of museums in shaping our understanding of history. Editor: And also of labor, commodity, value, and the economy. It’s a small thing but embodies vast concerns.