Follis of Maxentius, Rome 308 - 310

Curator: Isn't it amazing? Here we have a Follis of Maxentius, Rome, presently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. I find myself pondering the weight of history it carries within its mere 5.87 grams. Editor: Well, my first impression is of something time-worn, a whisper of the past clinging to this small, dark circle. Is it bronze? Curator: Likely so. Beyond just the material, this coin broadcasts Maxentius's authority; the images and inscriptions were carefully considered for their propaganda value in the Roman Empire. Editor: Propaganda, yes, but also survival, don't you think? Imagine holding the power to mint, to stamp your face on currency, to literally circulate your image throughout the land. Curator: Absolutely, it’s about being seen, being remembered. This coin, like many others, served as a portable monument. Editor: It's funny how something so small can feel so monumentally weighty, isn't it? The past, pressed into metal. Curator: Indeed. A tangible fragment, inviting contemplation.