Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 198 - 200

Editor: This is a denarius of Septimius Severus. It's a small, silver coin and I'm struck by the detail they managed to achieve on such a tiny scale. What are your thoughts on the composition of this coin? Curator: The formal elements are quite interesting. Notice the relief and incised lines, how they define the portrait and figure. The texture is also quite intriguing. What do you make of the wear? Editor: It looks like the wear softens the lines, which gives it a more fluid, less rigid form. How does the material affect the piece? Curator: Silver's malleability allowed for this intricate detailing. Consider how light reflects off the surface, highlighting the emperor's profile. It's all quite deliberate. Editor: I hadn't considered the reflective qualities. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. Now, I'm off to ponder how this informs our understanding of the object.