Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 196

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Septimius Severus. What strikes me most is how this tiny silver coin, worn by time, still carries the weight of an empire. How do you interpret its imagery? Curator: It’s a tangible link to the past, isn't it? This coin whispers of power, but also of everyday commerce. The portrait of Severus isn't just about likeness; it's a statement of authority, multiplied and distributed. Notice the reverse, perhaps depicting an animal, a symbol of prosperity or military might. What do you make of its condition? Editor: The wear and tear make it feel more authentic, more connected to the hands that held it. It makes me think about what survives and what doesn't. Curator: Exactly! It's a beautiful paradox: something so small, yet so resonant, enduring long after the empire crumbled. It makes you wonder, what stories will our coins tell centuries from now?