Denarius of Caracalla c. 216

Curator: Here we have a silver coin, a Denarius of Caracalla, presently held in the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs less than 3 grams. Editor: There's something quite haunting about holding history in your hand like this. It feels almost ghostly, reflecting an echo of power. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this were critical in disseminating Caracalla’s image, solidifying his political authority across the vast Roman empire. Editor: You know, looking at his profile, you can almost imagine the weight of that authority etched onto his face. A ruler's burden, perhaps. Curator: Absolutely. And the imagery on the reverse—the figure of Pax, goddess of peace—served as potent propaganda. A clever message of prosperity and stability. Editor: I wonder if the people who handled this coin felt any sense of that peace. Or if they were just trying to buy bread. Curator: It's a stark reminder of how even the most powerful symbols are interpreted through the lens of everyday life. Editor: Right, a tiny, tarnished piece of metal, whispering stories of empires and ordinary people. A powerful combination.