Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 226

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the stark functionality of this object—a coin meant to facilitate exchange, but simultaneously carrying the weight of imperial authority. Editor: Indeed. This silver denarius, featuring Severus Alexander, speaks volumes about the construction of power. Look at the details. Curator: The laurel wreath, of course, a symbol of victory and status. But also, the rendering of the emperor’s profile. What does it tell us about how he wanted to be perceived? Editor: It’s intriguing to consider how the imagery employed on these coins became embedded in the cultural consciousness of the time and how these symbols continue to resonate today. Even the wear and tear on the coin itself becomes part of its story. Curator: Absolutely. This wasn't just currency; it was propaganda, circulated far and wide, shaping public perception of the emperor and the empire. Editor: It's a small object, but one that can unlock so much about ancient Roman society and politics. Curator: Precisely—a tiny artifact holding immense historical and cultural significance.