Denarius of Julia Domna c. 196 - 211

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, a Roman empress known for her influence and intelligence. Editor: It feels ancient, touched by time. I'm drawn to the weight of it, the stories it could tell just by being held. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the minting process: each coin struck represents a controlled deployment of resources, labor, and state power. It's not just about depicting Julia Domna; it's about circulating her image and authority. Editor: It's like a tiny, portable monument. I wonder about the hands it passed through, the transactions it facilitated. Did anyone dream while clutching this? Curator: It's a fascinating intersection of political propaganda and everyday economics, and the material—silver—speaks volumes about the Roman economy at the time. Editor: To think that something so small could carry such a potent message. It really makes you reflect on what we consider valuable today.