Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 205

Curator: This is a denarius of Septimius Severus, a Roman coin. Its creation speaks volumes about imperial power and control over resources. Editor: The coin’s worn surface and pale silver hue create a feeling of age and endurance. Notice the relief, it is surprisingly detailed. Curator: Its materiality is crucial; silver as currency facilitated trade and consolidated the emperor's economic authority. Also, consider the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking these coins. Editor: Structurally, the coin presents two distinct sides: the emperor's profile and what appears to be a depiction of a deity, each framed by inscriptions. Curator: These images served as propaganda, shaping public perception and reinforcing Severus's legitimacy, tying him to divine authority. Editor: A fascinating object; it allows us to reflect on the relationship between power, visual representation, and enduring symbolic forms. Curator: Indeed, and it reveals how everyday objects become carriers of profound social and political meaning.