As of Septimius Severus 

Curator: Here we have a bronze coin, "As of Septimius Severus," at the Harvard Art Museums. What catches your eye? Editor: It looks heavily patinated, almost like a fossil. I'm curious about the processes that led to this level of material transformation. Curator: Coins served as miniature billboards, embodying imperial power. Severus's portrait evokes strength and authority, essential for maintaining order and projecting dominance. Editor: It's amazing to think about the labor involved in the mining, smelting, and striking of these coins, all to create an object that served both practical and symbolic purposes. Curator: Indeed, the image of the emperor embodies the ideals of Roman leadership. Consider how these coins were circulated, carrying the emperor's image to the edges of the empire. Editor: The wear and tear speak to the countless transactions and hands this object passed through, connecting it to a vast network of economic and social exchanges. Curator: It speaks volumes about the enduring nature of symbols. Editor: Absolutely, and about the lasting power of material things.