Coin of Hierapolis under Severus Alexander c. 222 - 235

Editor: This is a coin of Hierapolis, crafted during the reign of Severus Alexander. The low relief gives it such a solemn presence. What do you see in its form and texture? Curator: The patinated bronze surface is intrinsic to its value. Its circular shape contains two distinct fields of visual information. The face presents a regal profile, while the verso bears inscriptions. Note how the incised lines define form and communicate textual meaning. Editor: So, the visual components define the coin's value, above all? Curator: Precisely. Each element, from the emperor's profile to the lettering, contributes to the overall structural integrity and aesthetic of the piece. Considering its materiality, we appreciate it beyond its historical function. Editor: I'm beginning to see the formal artistry in something I would have initially dismissed as a mere artifact. Curator: Indeed. Close visual analysis invites us to look beyond surface level.