Coin of Colonia Bostra under Severus Alexander c. 222 - 235

Curator: We're looking at a coin from Colonia Bostra, crafted under Severus Alexander. Notice the weight: just over eight grams. Editor: It's haunting, this worn profile. The patina speaks of centuries, doesn’t it? Curator: Indeed. It reflects the emperor's image, but consider how these coins were circulated and used to broadcast power. Editor: The composition itself is interesting – the circular form containing the bust, framed by the inscription... it creates a sense of enclosure. Curator: And a sense of Roman authority. Coins like these were miniature billboards, reinforcing the emperor’s presence throughout the empire. Editor: It makes one ponder the layers of history etched on the surface. Curator: Precisely. Beyond its intrinsic material value, it’s a portal into the socio-political landscape of its time. Editor: I appreciate the precision and care evident in such a small object, a potent display of governance.