Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 202

Curator: This is a silver denarius depicting Septimius Severus, a Roman emperor whose reign marked a significant shift in the empire's political and social landscape. Editor: The overall design is quite striking. The crispness of the portrait against the worn surface makes it seem timeless yet tangible. Curator: Absolutely, coins like these were powerful tools for disseminating imperial ideology. Septimius used his image to project strength and legitimacy, particularly after a period of civil war. Editor: The use of silver, its weight, and the incised details create a tactile experience that speaks to its value as currency and as propaganda. Curator: Indeed, this denarius serves as a potent reminder of how intertwined power, identity, and representation were in the Roman Empire. Editor: Looking at the composition, it's a testament to the power of formal design in communicating complex ideas. Curator: A very insightful observation. It allows us to reflect on how Severus wanted to be perceived. Editor: Yes, and how he crafted the very perception of empire.