Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 224

Editor: This is a Denarius of Severus Alexander. Looking at this tiny, worn coin, I'm struck by its intimate scale. What can we learn about the emperor and his time from such a small object? Curator: This denarius acts as a potent form of propaganda, circulating an image of power and projecting imperial ideology. Consider how this miniature portrait reinforced the Emperor's image and asserted Roman dominance throughout the empire. What does it say about accessibility and power? Editor: So, this coin wasn't just money; it was a tool for shaping public perception? Curator: Precisely! It's a tangible piece of history, revealing insights into gender, power, and representation in ancient Rome. What can it tell us about modern representations of leadership?