Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Curator: What an interesting patina on this Denarius of Severus Alexander, weighing just over 3 grams. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the color palette. The green verdigris contrasts beautifully with the worn silver beneath. Curator: Indeed, the coin's materiality speaks volumes about its history—its use as currency, its circulation within a particular economy. Think about the hands it passed through! Editor: And consider the composition of the portrait: the sharp relief, the gaze directed outward. It conveys a sense of imperial authority, even in miniature. Curator: Absolutely. The silver itself was likely sourced from specific mines under Roman control, reflecting the empire's extractive relationship with its territories. Editor: Ultimately, it's a fascinating piece—a tiny object that contains multitudes, formally and conceptually. Curator: Precisely. It’s a potent reminder of the complex networks of labor and power that underpin even the smallest artifacts.