Coin of Pella under the Empress Otacilia Severa c. 3th century

Curator: This is a coin from Pella, minted during the reign of Empress Otacilia Severa. Its 8.75 grams tell a story of ancient power. Editor: It feels weighty, doesn't it? Dark and worn, almost like a memory made tangible. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like these were more than just currency; they were propaganda. The Empress’s image, her symbols, would circulate throughout the empire, reinforcing her authority. Editor: What symbols strike you as most potent? The wear almost obscures them, yet suggests the countless hands it passed through. Curator: Even in its eroded state, we can discern the imperial iconography—images intended to evoke stability and divine sanction. The very act of minting, of placing her image on currency, was a powerful claim. Editor: It really makes you think about the role of images in constructing power and identity, even now. The coin echoes across millennia. Curator: Yes, it's a testament to how deeply symbols and images shape our perceptions of authority and history. Editor: And a potent reminder that even the smallest artifact can carry the weight of an empire.