Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 194

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Septimius Severus. It's a small silver coin, yet it feels monumental given its age. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: These coins served as powerful propaganda tools. Septimius Severus, hailing from North Africa, faced challenges to his legitimacy. How might circulating these coins have impacted his image and authority? Editor: It seems like a way to project power and stability, especially to the military. I hadn’t thought about its impact on public perception that way. Curator: Exactly. The imagery, likely carefully chosen, reinforces his military prowess and imperial power. The very act of minting and distributing such coins asserted control.