Coin of Sardis under Septimius Severus 193 - 211

Editor: Here we have a coin of Sardis under Septimius Severus, its precise date is unknown, but it's clearly aged. What strikes me is the texture; it’s rough, almost like it's been through a lot. What do you see in its form and structure? Curator: The coin's circular format immediately suggests wholeness and continuity, yet the surface disruption tells a different story. Note how the incised portrait on one side contrasts with the figures on the other. The use of line and relief defines each side differently. Editor: So, the contrast in the relief is key? Curator: Precisely. The formal elements, like line and relief, create a dialogue between the representation of power and the coin’s inherent value as a medium of exchange. Editor: That's a fresh perspective, focusing on the formal dialogue rather than just historical context. Curator: Indeed, by analyzing composition and form, we gain insight into the coin’s conceptual framework beyond its functional role.