Follis of Severus II c. 305

Curator: This is a Follis coin featuring Severus II, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. The artist is of course Severus II. Editor: It's quite weathered, giving it a raw, textural quality. Curator: Indeed. The images—the emperor’s profile on one side and a standing figure on the other—are powerful symbols of authority and imperial ideology, repeated across the empire. Editor: Notice how the circular form reinforces a sense of completeness, of a self-contained world. The incised lettering also creates interesting visual rhythms, almost like a frame. Curator: Precisely, and the figure on the reverse side—perhaps a depiction of Pax, goddess of peace—embodies the emperor's aspirations for a prosperous and secure reign. Editor: It’s intriguing how this small, everyday object carries such monumental weight, representing a whole empire and its values. Curator: Yes, it's a potent reminder of how images can shape our understanding of history. Editor: And how even fragmented forms can reveal complete narratives.