Denarius of Macrinus, Rome c. 217

Curator: This is a Denarius of Macrinus, a silver coin currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Weighing only 3.68 grams, it offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of its time. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is its weathered condition. The wear and tear speaks volumes about its journey through history and the hands it passed through. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like these were powerful tools of propaganda. Depicting Macrinus, it served to broadcast his image and legitimize his reign throughout the Roman Empire. Consider what symbols were deliberately chosen. Editor: And by whose standards of beauty or power? It's crucial to question whose narrative is being presented and who is excluded from this representation. Curator: Indeed. Examining the socio-political context is vital. Understanding how these coins were used and circulated sheds light on the power dynamics of the period. Editor: This coin serves as a tangible reminder of the complexities inherent in historical narratives. Curator: A small object, perhaps, but brimming with historical and cultural weight.