Denarius of M. Sergius Silus, Rome c. 116

Editor: Here we have the Denarius of M. Sergius Silus, a Roman coin in the Harvard Art Museums. It feels so small, yet it must have held so much value. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This coin is less about its monetary value and more about its symbolic power. Coins like these were instruments of propaganda, circulating images and messages that reinforced Roman authority. Editor: Propaganda, even in something so small? Curator: Absolutely. The imagery, likely referencing the issuer's lineage or achievements, was a constant visual reminder of power relations within the Roman Republic. This imagery was meticulously controlled and widely disseminated. Editor: I never thought about a coin having such a public role. Curator: Understanding the socio-political forces at play allows us to see beyond the coin’s surface and into the heart of Roman power structures. Editor: That's fascinating; I'll never look at old money the same way again!