As of Septimius Severus 

Curator: This is a bronze coin, "As of Septimius Severus," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The artifact is credited to Septimius Severus himself. Editor: It looks incredibly worn. You can barely make out the details, giving it this haunting, almost ghostly quality. Curator: The wear tells a story, doesn't it? Think of all the hands this coin passed through, the transactions it facilitated. Each interaction leaves a trace. Editor: It's fascinating to consider the labor involved in its creation—mining the metal, striking the die. It's a testament to Roman industrial power. What would this signify to the people using the coin, though? Curator: As a symbol, this coin represents the emperor’s power, its distribution a constant reminder of Rome’s reach and the stability of the empire. A portrait carries more weight than its monetary value. Editor: I suppose so, but the material makes me think about distribution networks more than imperial power. Curator: Fair, but for me, the image of Severus carries a narrative of control. Editor: An economic narrative. Curator: I see your point. Regardless, it is incredible to consider that this coin has survived so long.