Coin of Amphipolis under the Emperor Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: Here we have a coin of Amphipolis under the Emperor Septimius Severus, weighing just over 10 grams. It’s a small window into Roman imperial power. Editor: It’s incredibly worn, isn’t it? Time and circulation have softened the sharp details, giving it an almost ghostly quality. Curator: These coins served as propaganda, circulating images of the emperor and Roman power throughout the empire. Amphipolis, a Greek city, shows its integration into the Roman world through this very imagery. Editor: I find the image of the seated figure particularly striking. It hints at authority, but it's also quite worn, blurring the intended message. Curator: Exactly. The act of representing power, distributing it, and then seeing it eroded reveals a crucial aspect of imperial control. Editor: It reminds us that even empires are subject to the relentless march of time. Curator: Precisely. This little object speaks volumes about power, representation, and the passage of time. Editor: I agree; it leaves me pondering the weight of history held within such a small form.