Denarius of Julia Mamaea 230

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Mamaea, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: The starkness of the silver against the dark background really highlights the crisp lines of the figures, doesn’t it? Curator: Indeed. These coins, despite their size, played a key role in disseminating imperial imagery and asserting power throughout the Roman Empire. Julia Mamaea was a powerful figure. Editor: The way the portrait is rendered in profile, it's interesting how even in this small format, there's a sense of regality and strength. Curator: It's a testament to the skill of the die engravers, but also to the careful control the imperial family exerted over their public image. Editor: It’s fascinating to consider how much information and authority could be conveyed on such a small, portable object. Curator: Exactly, these coins were not just currency, but propaganda, reinforcing the emperor’s authority. Editor: Seeing it this way, I'm struck by how art and power are intertwined, even in something as unassuming as a coin. Curator: Precisely, and I hope our listeners are encouraged to think about such issues.