Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 225

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Severus Alexander, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Its surface is quite worn, but the material seems fairly consistent. I wonder about the skill of the die maker. Curator: Coins like these were not only currency, but also potent symbols. The emperor's portrait, wreathed in laurel, projects power, divinity, and victory. Editor: The silver itself matters too. Consider the mines, the labor of extraction, and the political control over these resources. Curator: Absolutely. The figure on the reverse continues the theme of imperial authority. These images shaped perceptions, influencing the collective consciousness. Editor: Indeed. It's remarkable how much socio-political weight is literally impressed upon this small piece of metal. Curator: Studying these symbols unlocks a deeper understanding of Roman imperial ideology. Editor: And by considering the material processes, we recognize the tangible realities behind that ideology.