Post-Reform Radiate Fraction of Severus II, Alexandria 305 - 306

Curator: Here we have a fascinating artifact: the "Post-Reform Radiate Fraction of Severus II, Alexandria," attributed to Severus II himself. Editor: Immediately striking is the coin’s state of decay—the patina of age lends it a sort of mournful quality, a visual testament to history's erosive power. Curator: Indeed. The design, though worn, still showcases a portrait of Severus II with radiating crown on one side, and two standing figures on the other. The symbolism would have been easily legible during its time. Editor: Given its circulation, this small bronze object served as a powerful tool for disseminating imperial imagery and ideology across society. It's a fascinating insight into the construction of power. Curator: Precisely! The deliberate arrangement of image and text create meaning; consider the semiotics of the imperial image itself. Editor: It’s remarkable how this single artifact encapsulates complex social dynamics, economic structures, and the emperor's attempt to project authority. Curator: It's been a pleasure to consider this piece's form and its context. Editor: Absolutely. A small object, but one which carries the weight of an empire.