Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 198

Curator: This is a denarius, a Roman silver coin, bearing the image of Septimius Severus. Editor: It’s striking how much this small object conveys. The density of the metal itself speaks to the weight of power it represented. Curator: Indeed. The portrait of Severus is rendered with sharp realism. Notice the detailed rendering of his beard and the laurel wreath, symbols of authority. Editor: Beyond its symbolic function, think about the sheer labor involved in mining, refining, and minting these coins. Each one passed through numerous hands. Curator: The composition reflects the classic values of Roman portraiture: clarity, order, and the projection of imperial power through symbolic representation. Editor: And each coin facilitated countless acts of commerce, from daily transactions to the funding of armies, demonstrating the physical realities of empire. I find that fascinating. Curator: Its design is meticulously crafted to reinforce the emperor's legitimacy through visual rhetoric. Editor: Looking at this coin makes me reflect on the material flows that sustained an empire. Curator: A powerful object, both symbolically and materially. Editor: Yes, a testament to the systems that shaped history, both literally and figuratively.