Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 227

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Severus Alexander, residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It's surprisingly weighty for its small size, about 3.21 grams. Editor: Immediately, it whispers of power and impermanence, doesn't it? That cold silver gaze, the weight of history in your palm... Curator: Indeed. One side depicts a detailed portrait of Emperor Severus Alexander himself, while the other features a figure, perhaps a deity, holding a staff. Editor: I'm struck by the delicate rendering of the hair and beard, the precision given its function as currency. What's the semiotic weight of that, I wonder? The ruler's image stamped, quite literally, into the fabric of daily life... Curator: It’s a fascinating artifact, showing us not just an emperor but also the artistry and propaganda of his time. Editor: It makes you think about who held it, what they bought with it, and what they thought of the man whose face they carried around. Curator: A small object with a vast story to tell, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely, a portal to the past in your pocket.