As of Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Editor: This is a coin, "As of Severus Alexander," made by Severus Alexander. It seems small and ordinary at first glance. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond its monetary function, this coin is a potent symbol of power and imperial ideology. The portrait of Severus Alexander presents an idealized image intended to project authority. How does this controlled image compare to the reality of his reign, marked by political instability and his eventual assassination? Editor: That’s interesting. So, it’s less about the metal and more about the message? Curator: Precisely. Coins like these served as propaganda, circulating specific narratives about the emperor and his rule, shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies. They invite us to question the relationship between representation and reality, and the active role of art in constructing power. What does it make you think about today? Editor: Now I see how much it really tells us! Thanks!