Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: So, this is a Denarius of Septimius Severus, a Roman coin. It's small, silver, and pretty worn, but you can still make out the emperor’s profile. What statements was Septimius Severus trying to make through this coin? Curator: Well, coins were a primary form of propaganda in the Roman Empire. Septimius Severus, who came to power through civil war, needed to legitimize his rule. The imagery and inscriptions would have carefully constructed messages of power, stability, and connection to Roman tradition. Can you see any symbols on the reverse side? Editor: It looks like some kind of figure… maybe holding something? Curator: Exactly. The depiction and its accompanying text would have been recognizable iconography tied to Roman virtues or deities, reinforcing Severus's claim to legitimate authority and divine favor. Every detail served a political purpose. Editor: I never thought about coins as political statements. Very interesting. Curator: It shows how even everyday objects can carry significant historical weight and shape public perception.