Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 202

Editor: This is a silver denarius of Septimius Severus, located at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating how such a small object can tell us so much. What do you see when you look at this coin? Curator: I see the imprints of labor and power. The metallic content speaks to the mining, smelting, and distribution networks controlled by the Roman state. The minting process itself, a form of mass production, reflects the emperor's need to disseminate his image and authority widely. Editor: So you're saying the coin's value extends beyond its face value? Curator: Precisely! It served as propaganda, a tangible representation of Roman economic and political dominance. Even its wear and tear tell a story of circulation, trade, and ultimately, the consumption of empire. Editor: That’s a very interesting way of considering this coin. It’s more than just currency; it’s a material document of Roman power. Curator: Exactly. Reflecting on the labor of countless individuals, it connects us to the vast system of Roman society and economics.