Denarius of Caracalla c. 216

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Caracalla, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. What strikes you first? Editor: Its age! The way it's weathered, carrying so much history, makes me feel connected to a very distant past. It’s a little spooky. Curator: Indeed. The numismatic object presents a compelling study in power and representation, with Caracalla's profile meticulously rendered on one face. Note the laureate crown. Editor: And on the reverse, that figure with arms outstretched... It evokes a sense of Roman power, and this very human figure almost deifies Caracalla. Curator: Precisely, the imagery on coinage served as propaganda, reinforcing imperial authority through symbolic messaging. The composition is deliberately designed to convey dominance. Editor: It's fascinating how such a small object can reveal so much about Roman ambition and the emperor's desire to control his image. I can almost feel the weight of the empire in my hand. Curator: A tangible link to antiquity, prompting reflections on the echoes of power across millennia. Editor: It's remarkable what one can unearth from examining the intrinsic qualities of such an old coin.