coin of Otacilia Severa 

Editor: Here we have a coin of Otacilia Severa, from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s small, worn, but still shows the strong profile of a woman ruler. What can you tell us about its significance? Curator: This coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the construction of imperial female power. Consider, whose image is deemed worthy of circulation? How does Otacilia Severa negotiate the male-dominated world of Roman leadership through her portrayal on coinage, and what does that reveal about the biases and expectations of her time? Editor: That's intriguing. So the coin becomes more than just currency; it's a statement? Curator: Exactly. It's a form of propaganda, subtly reinforcing or challenging the norms around women and power within the Roman Empire. What do you think it says about the coin that it's damaged? Editor: Maybe that even power fades? Curator: Precisely. Power is ephemeral, and these material objects are evidence of complex narratives.