Sestertius of Septimius Severus 

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, a bronze coin of Septimius Severus, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels weighty with history. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: The portrait, of course, speaks of power, but even more, a claim to legitimacy. The coin itself becomes a symbol of the emperor's reach, touching every corner of the Roman world. Editor: Interesting. So, it’s not just money, but a miniature monument? Curator: Precisely! Consider the implications of the imagery: power, prosperity, and the face of the emperor made ubiquitous. What does that tell you about the psychological impact of such an object? Editor: It’s fascinating to think about how a simple coin could carry so much cultural weight. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! There's always something to discover when looking through the lens of symbolism.