Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 222

Curator: This is a Denarius of Severus Alexander from the Harvard Art Museums. Immediately striking is the worn texture of the metal. Editor: Yes, time and circulation have clearly taken their toll. It looks like it weighs just over 3 grams. What can we deduce from its material and production? Curator: The silver speaks to the economy of the time, and the minting process itself, the labor, the distribution, all reveal the empire's mechanisms. It wasn't just money; it was a statement of imperial power circulating far and wide. Editor: And formally, the portrait and the figure on the reverse, with their delicate engravings, show us the stylistic conventions used to convey authority and divine favor. Curator: Exactly, but it is also crucial to consider the economic impact of these coins and their role in facilitating trade and taxation. What did it mean for a common person to hold this coin in their hand? Editor: A fascinating question. I'm struck by how such a small object can tell such a large story. Curator: Indeed, it’s a tangible link to a distant past.