Denarius of Alexander Severus c. 3th century

Editor: This is a Denarius of Alexander Severus. It's a Roman coin, and seeing the image of Severus on it, I am struck by how this small object carries so much historical weight. What symbols or cultural meanings do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: The Roman denarius was more than just money; it was a carefully crafted piece of propaganda. The portrait, of course, conveys the power of the Emperor, but consider also the figure on the reverse. What virtues might it represent? How would that imagery shape public perception of Severus's reign? Editor: Perhaps the figure embodies a sense of peace or military strength that Severus wanted to be known for. The coin, in that sense, acts as a powerful, portable symbol. Curator: Precisely. And as these coins circulated, they perpetuated the image of the Emperor, fostering a shared cultural understanding of his authority. Editor: Seeing it that way makes me think about the long-term impact of such symbols. Curator: Indeed. The symbols on ancient coins can reveal a great deal about cultural memory.