Coin of Resaina under Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Curator: This is a coin of Resaina, issued under Severus Alexander. I am struck by the state of it, so worn and humble. Editor: The coin feels like a testament to power, and to its fragility, doesn’t it? Curator: Absolutely. Severus Alexander, as Emperor, likely never touched it; instead, its value resided in its use within the broader socio-economic system of the Roman Empire. The imagery, I imagine, would have served as a constant reminder of Imperial authority. Editor: Right, its power lies in its symbolic value. What narratives did it perpetuate? Curator: Coins such as these are crucial for understanding how the empire projected power but also how cultural and economic practices were intertwined on a day-to-day basis. Editor: Considering its materiality and what it represents, I am very curious about who handled it and the journey it went on. Curator: Indeed. Editor: Well, this has given me a lot to consider.