AE Severus Alexander 

Curator: This is an AE Severus Alexander, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the weight of history pressed into this small, unassuming coin. It feels heavy, like a portal to another time. Curator: Coins like this are so interesting, aren't they? As currency, they reveal production methods, trade networks, and the symbolic vocabulary of the Roman Empire under Severus Alexander. Editor: Absolutely. It’s not just about economics; it’s propaganda. The artistry, even in miniature, conveyed power, legitimacy, and a certain… vibe. Look at the way the laurel wreath frames his profile. Curator: And consider the materiality – bronze, an alloy, the result of mining, smelting, and striking. Each coin a small unit within a vast system. Editor: Yes, a unit of power and a unit of art. It's amazing to contemplate all that from this tiny piece. Curator: Indeed, examining it from this perspective provides a fascinating and comprehensive insight. Editor: Definitely, it has completely altered the way I perceive coins.