Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 201s

Curator: This small silver coin, a Denarius of Septimius Severus, immediately whispers of Roman power. It's incredible to think of the socio-political weight held in such a tiny object. Editor: The patina gives it such a ghostly quality. The figure is worn, but there's still a powerful sense of authority in the profile. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were propaganda tools. Septimius Severus, who ruled from 193 to 211 AD, used these to broadcast his image and legitimacy throughout the empire. Editor: The figure on the reverse reminds me of representations of Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, a powerful visual symbol of stability and prosperity, which is quite clever. Curator: Exactly, and the act of circulating these images would reinforce loyalty and economic stability. These coins were not just money; they were political statements. Editor: Seeing such a small item hold so much history is amazing; it's like holding a fragment of the Roman Empire itself. Curator: It really brings the past into sharp focus.