Coin of Odessos under Emperor Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Odessos under Emperor Severus Alexander. It's so small, but it feels monumental. What statements were they making using currency? Curator: Exactly. Consider how coins like these aren't just currency but also potent propaganda tools. They offer insight into how the emperor wished to be perceived. What do you notice about the imagery? Editor: I see a portrait of the emperor, and then a figure seated, maybe a god? Curator: Precisely! Coins often depict idealized versions of power, connecting the ruler to divine authority. In what ways do you think these symbols were intended to legitimize the emperor's reign? Editor: I guess it creates a sense of continuity and strength. It makes me think about who this coin was for, and who it excluded. Curator: That's a crucial question. Examining the recipients of this message helps us understand power dynamics and social hierarchies. Editor: Wow, I never thought about coins this way before. Curator: It's a small object, but a window into a complex world!