Antoninianus of Otacilia Severa, wife of Philip I 246 - 248

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Otacilia Severa, the wife of Philip I. It's a small, silver coin. I'm struck by how this tiny object was once a tool of power. What can you tell me about its role in Roman society? Curator: This coin wasn't just currency; it was propaganda. The image of Otacilia Severa, a Roman empress, circulated throughout the empire. How do you think that shaped her public image and the perception of imperial power? Editor: I suppose it’s a way to make her visible, to legitimize her power and her husband's reign. Did people question the imagery? Curator: Absolutely. The images were carefully controlled, but how the public interpreted them, and the degree to which they accepted the power being projected, was another matter. Think about the political climate. Editor: That's fascinating. It is more than just a coin; it's a political statement, portable and persistent. Curator: Precisely! And its survival in collections like this one continues its role in our understanding of history and power.