Coin of Cotiaeum under Otacilia Severa c. 244 - 249

Editor: Here we have a coin of Cotiaeum under Otacilia Severa, a Roman Empress. It's quite worn, but you can still make out the profile. As a physical manifestation of power, what is your interpretation of this coin? Curator: Coins functioned as propaganda. This coin, though small, circulated images of Otacilia Severa and thus reinforced Roman authority. Consider how this mass-produced image shaped public perception of the Empress. Editor: So, it's less about artistic expression and more about political messaging? Curator: Precisely. Its artistic merit is secondary to its function of disseminating power, wealth, and imperial legitimacy. What does it mean that her image was distributed this way? Editor: I see. It’s a fascinating intersection of art, power, and social control. Curator: Indeed. Reflecting on its role reshapes our understanding of art's multifaceted influence.