Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 205

Curator: This is a denarius of Septimius Severus, a Roman emperor who ruled from 193 to 211 AD. Editor: Immediately, I see a tactile history, a story etched in its worn surface. I imagine the hands it has passed through. Curator: Indeed, these coins were not just currency but powerful propaganda tools, circulating the emperor's image and messages throughout the empire. Editor: It feels strangely intimate to hold power, literally, in the palm of your hand. This tiny metal disc, brimming with grand ambition. Curator: Consider also the social implications; control over coinage meant control over public perception and the economy itself. Editor: Right! It's a potent reminder that art, even in the most utilitarian forms, always reflects and shapes the world around it. Curator: Precisely. This humble coin provides an invaluable insight into the construction of imperial power in ancient Rome. Editor: Absolutely, and it's a beautiful and haunting piece, even now.