Coin of Cotiaeum under Otacilia Severa 244 - 249

Editor: This is a coin of Cotiaeum, from the time of Otacilia Severa. It’s incredible to hold something like this, knowing how old it is. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: Consider the portrait of Otacilia Severa herself. How does this image, multiplied across countless coins, shape her memory and legacy? Even in its worn state, it carries immense cultural weight. Editor: So the power of imagery can transcend time and condition? Curator: Precisely. Each mark, each symbol, is a fragment of a story—of power, faith, and daily life. What do you make of the figure on the reverse? Editor: It looks like a representation of a deity, a symbol of stability and divine favor. Curator: Indeed. These symbols were intentionally chosen to convey messages of legitimacy and prosperity. What do you think we can learn about cultural memory from such an object? Editor: I realize it’s not just about the leader, but the values they wanted to project. Curator: Exactly! Each coin is a miniature archive, inviting us to decode its visual language. Editor: Looking at it that way, I feel like I'm actually touching history.