Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 203 - 208

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Septimius Severus. It's incredible to think of this small, silver coin circulating through the Roman Empire. What can you tell us about the production and meaning behind it? Curator: Well, consider the social context: the mining of silver, the labor involved in striking the coin, and its function in facilitating trade and paying soldiers. The very materiality of this object speaks volumes. How did it embody the power of the Roman state? Editor: So, it's more than just a portrait of the emperor. It's a representation of the entire Roman economic system? Curator: Precisely. And what about the wear and tear? Each imperfection tells a story of its circulation and handling, reflecting its life as a tool of labor and exchange. Editor: That's a fascinating perspective; it's like the coin itself is a historical actor. Curator: Indeed, examining the means of production challenges the notion of a single artist and highlights the collective effort behind even the simplest objects.