Sestertius of Otacilia Severa 248

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, likely made during the reign of Otacilia Severa. It's such a small object, but it depicts a powerful ruler. What can you tell us about its historical context? Curator: Consider how this coin functioned as propaganda. Its value extended beyond mere currency; it served to disseminate the Empress’s image, power, and legitimacy across the Roman Empire. How might it have shaped public perception? Editor: So it's a carefully crafted image intended to influence the people? Curator: Precisely. It's an artifact imbued with cultural and political significance. It reveals how images were strategically deployed to maintain social order and project imperial authority. What do you make of the imagery used? Editor: It's fascinating to think of something so small carrying so much weight. I see now how this artwork reflects Roman values. Curator: Indeed. The coin is a window into a complex world of power, representation, and the enduring legacy of imperial imagery.