Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 195

Curator: Holding history in your hand! This is a denarius, a silver coin, of Septimius Severus. Editor: It feels weighty somehow, despite its size. Makes you consider the cost of things, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. The portrait is quite striking, all that curly hair and the intense gaze. On the other side, we see what appears to be a depiction of victory. Editor: There's a seated figure and someone presenting something, but time has weathered the image a bit. You can still feel the power though, can’t you? The visual language is unmistakable. Curator: Absolutely, it was a way to solidify his image, a type of mass communication in the Roman Empire. Editor: Makes you wonder what image we’re stamping on our coins today, figuratively speaking. Is it really progress or just different shiny metal? Curator: Food for thought, isn't it? This little coin really opens up a portal to another world.