Denarius of Q. Minucius M.f. Thermus, Rome c. 103

Curator: This is a Denarius of Q. Minucius M.f. Thermus, a Roman coin now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The silvery surface and worn edges speak to its age. It feels weighty, a relic of everyday Roman life. Curator: Absolutely. One side features a helmeted head, likely depicting Mars, the god of war, symbolizing Roman military prowess. Editor: And on the reverse, we see two warriors locked in combat, perhaps hinting at specific battles or the general state of conflict in the Republic. What material was this coin made from? Curator: It is made of silver. The imagery on this coin provides a glimpse into the values and ideals that were important to Roman society. Editor: A small piece of metal, yes, but it shows the complex social and material realities of the Roman world. Curator: Indeed. It's amazing how such a small object carries so much cultural and historical significance. Editor: Thinking about the labor needed to extract and mint this… it's a powerful connection to the ancient world.