Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 201

Curator: What strikes me immediately about this Denarius of Septimius Severus is its palpable aura of authority, even in its modest scale. Editor: Indeed. This silver coin, residing at the Harvard Art Museums, serves as more than just currency; it's a powerful emblem of Severus's reign, a piece of propaganda disseminated throughout the Roman Empire. Curator: Absolutely. The portrait isn't merely a likeness. The carefully rendered features project strength, wisdom, and imperial legitimacy, fitting neatly into a complex iconography of power. The weight of a dynasty rests upon such symbols. Editor: And the reverse reinforces this narrative, likely depicting a deity or allegorical figure associated with Roman virtues, legitimizing Severus's rule through divine association and cultural values. Curator: The visual language speaks volumes, continuing even today. I always find myself pondering the psychological impact of these repetitive, yet evocative, symbols on both the Roman populace and on us viewing them now. Editor: It’s a potent reminder that art, even in its most functional forms, shapes our understanding of history and the powerful figures who try to control it. Curator: Yes, and the long echoes of symbols like these really shape human consciousness. Editor: A lasting testament to the power of imagery, even on a coin.