Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 230

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Severus Alexander. It's a small, silver coin. It feels weighty with history, like a portal to the past. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: Well, consider the laurel wreath. In antiquity, it's a potent symbol of victory and imperial authority, often associated with Apollo, god of light and reason. Editor: So, it's not just decoration? Curator: Far from it. The figure on the reverse side is likely a personification of Virtus, Roman virtue, often depicted with a spear, embodying courage. Editor: It makes you think about what they valued. Curator: Precisely! These symbols reinforced the emperor's legitimacy, projecting power and stability. Every detail was carefully chosen to resonate with cultural memory. Editor: That's fascinating. I never thought about coins having such a complex visual language. Curator: Indeed. It really makes you consider how images carried meaning through time.