Follis of Constantine I, Arelate 316

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Constantine I, made by Constantine I himself. It looks like a bronze coin, and it feels weighty with history. I wonder, what can you tell me about its place in society? Curator: These coins were more than just currency; they were powerful tools of propaganda. The image of Constantine projected authority and divine favor, shaping public perception. The coin’s circulation literally spread the emperor's image and message throughout the empire. Editor: So, it was an early form of mass media? Curator: Precisely! Each coin served as a miniature billboard, reinforcing Constantine's power and legitimacy in the eyes of his subjects. It's fascinating to consider how art played such a direct role in shaping political landscapes. Editor: That's a totally different way of thinking about a coin. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It’s a reminder that art is always embedded in a network of social and political forces.