Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 198 - 200

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Septimius Severus. It's like holding a tiny portal to ancient Rome. I'm immediately struck by how much history is etched onto such a small surface. What stories do you see whispered in this coin? Curator: It's a beautiful piece, isn't it? I see power, ambition, and the enduring human desire for legacy. Look at Septimius Severus' profile, so carefully rendered. And on the reverse, we see Victory, a symbol of Roman triumph. The coin itself was a form of propaganda, a tangible reminder of the emperor's authority. Doesn't it make you wonder what hands this coin has passed through? Editor: Definitely! To think of it circulating through the Roman Empire…it’s kind of mind-blowing. Thanks for sharing that, I hadn't considered the propaganda aspect before. Curator: My pleasure! It’s a reminder that even the smallest objects can hold immense cultural weight.