Sestertius of Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: This is a sestertius, a Roman coin featuring Septimius Severus. Its worn surface speaks volumes. What's your immediate reaction? Editor: It feels heavy, not just physically, but with the weight of history, all condensed into this small, circular form. Curator: Precisely. The portrait, though degraded, still conveys power. Coins like these were propaganda, meant to project the emperor's image and authority across the vast empire. Editor: I see a group of figures on the reverse. The composition, despite its simplicity, is quite effective, creating a sense of procession. Curator: The figures likely represent Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, thus symbolizing dynastic continuity, the very lifeline of an empire. Editor: The corrosion, the patina, it's a record of touch, of circulation. Curator: And that touch connects us to the people of that era, their beliefs, their rulers, all through the language of this little coin. Editor: It's incredible how much meaning can be packed into such a small object. Curator: Indeed, it’s a tangible link to the past.