Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 228

Editor: This Denarius of Severus Alexander, a small silver coin, feels like a tangible link to the past. What symbols do you see embedded in this piece? Curator: The portrait is deliberately idealized, of course, a claim to power and legitimacy. But notice the reverse: a figure, perhaps Roma or Virtus, offering victory. It's a carefully constructed narrative. What emotions does it evoke in you? Editor: I feel a sense of grandeur, like I'm holding a story. Curator: Exactly. The coin isn't just currency; it’s a miniature monument, carrying the weight of Roman ideology and ambition. Each image was selected to speak to cultural memory and maintain imperial power. Editor: So much meaning in something so small. Thanks! Curator: It’s a potent reminder that symbols shape our understanding of history.