Denarius of Elagabalus c. 220 - 222

Curator: This object is a denarius, a silver coin, minted during the reign of the Roman Emperor Elagabalus. Editor: Despite its small scale, the coin conveys a remarkable sense of gravity. The composition on both faces—the emperor's portrait and the figure on the reverse—achieves a compelling balance. Curator: These coins served as a crucial form of propaganda. The emperor's image, along with inscriptions, communicated power and legitimacy throughout the vast Roman Empire. Editor: Note the crisp lines of the portrait and lettering, set against the worn texture of the metal. This contrast highlights the coin's materiality. It's both a symbolic representation and a tangible object. Curator: Indeed, the imagery and circulation of these coins played a vital role in shaping public perception of Elagabalus, particularly in light of his controversial religious reforms. Editor: It’s fascinating how an object of such modest size could wield so much political and cultural weight. Curator: It truly encapsulates the interplay between art, power, and public image.