Denarius of Julia Domna c. 196 - 211

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, from the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating to see the details captured in such a small, utilitarian object. What can we learn from it? Curator: Consider the labor involved. Mining the silver, the skilled craftspeople who made the die, and the sheer volume produced. What does this tell us about the Roman economy and the material culture surrounding imperial power? Editor: It highlights how material production was linked to imperial power. Curator: Exactly! The coin's material and means of production aren't just about value, they represent the reach and control of the Roman Empire. It's a statement minted in metal. Editor: I see how the choice of material elevates what otherwise could be seen as a simple artifact. Curator: Indeed. Examining the material and its context reveals deeper meanings embedded within this small object.