Coin of Thessalonike under Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: This coin, attributed to Septimius Severus, offers a fascinating look into the visual language of power in the Roman Empire. Its composition features a portrait of Severus and a figure, both now obscured by time. Editor: The patina is remarkably beautiful, almost like a watercolor. It gives an immediate impression of age, the coin whispering stories of countless transactions and voyages. Curator: Quite right, the verdigris not only alters the coin's surface but serves as a signifier of its existence through decades of complex socio-political events. Coinage under Severus, especially in Thessalonike, served a vital role in asserting Roman authority in distant regions. Editor: It's humbling to think of how this small object, weighing less than 10 grams, represented so much influence. The designs, though worn, are a testament to the careful artistry employed to legitimize power through visual iconography. Curator: Indeed. It's a tangible artifact connecting us to an intricate network of imperial control, trade, and propaganda. Editor: And a poignant reminder that power, like this coin, eventually bears the mark of time.