Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 203

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Septimius Severus. What strikes me is how this small coin, made of a precious metal like silver, was effectively a tool of propaganda. What do you make of it? Curator: Absolutely. We must consider the processes behind its creation and distribution. The material itself, silver, speaks to wealth and control. It served as currency, yes, but also as a portable emblem of the emperor's power and the Roman state's reach. Editor: So, it's less about artistic skill and more about the socio-economic forces at play? Curator: Precisely. Think of the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking these coins, and how it all contributes to the legitimization of imperial authority. Editor: That’s a fresh way to look at it. I guess the material is the message in this case. Curator: Indeed, and the message is power, control, and the exploitation of resources.