Denarius of Lucius Verus, Rome c. 164 - 165

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Lucius Verus, a Roman coin held by the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's remarkable how well the portrait has held up! The high relief and crisp lines still give it such a sense of gravitas. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these were not just currency; they were potent symbols of imperial power, circulating the emperor's image throughout the realm. Lucius Verus's likeness, replicated countless times, projected his authority. Editor: The profile on the obverse is meticulously rendered, isn't it? Note the detail of his beard, the laurel wreath... a carefully constructed image designed to convey power. Curator: And the figure on the reverse, likely a deity, reinforces that message, linking Verus to the divine and to enduring Roman values. Every image tells a story. Editor: I agree. It's fascinating how much visual weight such a small object can carry. Curator: A lasting testament to both Roman artistry and their sophisticated understanding of propaganda. Editor: A tangible piece of history that prompts reflection about power and representation.