Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 201

Curator: This small silver coin, a denarius of Septimius Severus, presents us with a fascinating intersection of power and daily life in the Roman Empire. Editor: Even in this condition, the cool, tactile quality of the metal makes you feel connected to its history. Curator: Absolutely. Minted under Caracalla, it wasn't just currency; it was propaganda, disseminating the emperor's image and authority. The figure on the reverse likely carries symbolic significance. What does it evoke for you? Editor: I'm struck by the labor involved, from the mining of silver to the intricate die-making. Each coin represents a transfer of energy and resources. Curator: And the coin’s journey through countless hands speaks volumes about trade, economic systems, and the everyday experiences of people living under Roman rule. It’s a tangible link to a distant, yet influential past. Editor: It reminds us how something small and functional can also carry immense social and political weight.