As of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a coin, "As of Severus Alexander," likely depicting the emperor himself. It feels weighty with history. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda. Consider how Severus Alexander sought to legitimize his rule. What symbols are employed, and what narratives do they reinforce about power and stability? Coins are not neutral objects. Editor: So, its value extends beyond its monetary worth? Curator: Exactly. It’s a tangible artifact reflecting the emperor's self-fashioning and the socio-political climate of his era. What does its degradation tell us about the passage of time and the endurance of power structures? Editor: I never thought of it that way. It really makes you consider the intended audience and the messages being sent.