Coin of Samos under Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Samos, minted under Septimius Severus. The weight is just over 3 grams. The wear tells a story of circulation, but what stories do you see in it? Curator: This isn't just currency; it's a powerful statement of imperial authority intertwined with local identity. Septimius Severus strategically used coinage to consolidate power, but the inclusion of "Samos" signifies a negotiation, a visual contract acknowledging the island's pre-existing cultural significance. It's a dialogue between center and periphery, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Absolutely. The coin becomes a site of cultural exchange, where Roman power is mediated by local symbols. Thank you for opening my eyes to new perspectives. Curator: Gladly. Considering these coins allows us to question how power is communicated and negotiated through everyday objects.