Sestertius of Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: Here we have a Sestertius of Septimius Severus, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s incredible how much wear this coin has endured, yet the imagery remains potent! The patina gives it a certain gravitas. Curator: Indeed. This sestertius would have been a common denomination, a tool to legitimize Severus's reign after a period of civil war. Its circulation speaks to the socio-political forces at play. Editor: And visually, it's a masterful piece of propaganda. The emperor’s profile, the reverse depicting the emperor with the gods and the inscription serves to deify him and ensure the continuity of Roman ideals. Curator: Coins like these were vital instruments for shaping public perception of the emperor and Roman authority in far-flung corners of the empire. Editor: It’s humbling to consider the psychological impact of these symbols, how they embedded themselves in the cultural memory of an era. Curator: Absolutely, understanding the politics of imagery helps us interpret the lasting power of this artifact. Editor: I'm struck by the enduring weight this small object once carried, echoing through time.