Denarius of Julia Mamaea 223

Curator: Here we have a denarius of Julia Mamaea, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's so small, yet the details are striking. The wear on the coin makes it feel incredibly old and used. Curator: As a woman of power in ancient Rome, Julia Mamaea's image on currency served as a powerful statement, reinforcing her influence and familial ties to the emperor. Editor: And that influence was secured through silver, literally. How the silver was mined, refined, and stamped tells a story of Roman economics and labor. Curator: Absolutely, and Julia Mamaea's story intersects with themes of gender, power, and political maneuvering in a patriarchal society. Editor: Thinking about its composition, the coin's value as both currency and a propaganda tool is impressive. Its materiality connects directly to its intended purpose. Curator: It really invites us to examine how identities and power were constructed and disseminated in the Roman Empire. Editor: Indeed. A tangible reminder that the circulation of both goods and ideas went hand in hand.