Coin of Ninika under Severus Alexander and Julia Maesa c. 222 - 225

Curator: The coin before us, a piece titled "Coin of Ninika under Severus Alexander and Julia Maesa," resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I am struck by its weathered surface—the patina whispers stories of time and touch. Curator: Precisely. Consider Julia Maesa's role; a powerful woman influencing imperial succession. This coin wasn't just currency; it was propaganda, a material assertion of power, of lineage, circulated amongst the populace. Editor: And yet, the effigy's detail, though worn, presents a compelling geometry. The circle's formal containment focuses attention on the textured portrait. Curator: Every mark on this coin, a testament to its history. It speaks to the social and economic networks it navigated, a small object embodying vast historical processes. Editor: Ultimately, it is through the visual elements, the composition, and the material transformation, that we grasp its enduring presence. Curator: Indeed, a fascinating artifact to contemplate how objects shape and reflect our understanding of history and power.