Follis of Maxentius 308 - 310

Curator: The "Follis of Maxentius," a small bronze coin, presents an interesting look into early Roman imperial power. Editor: It looks… worn. Like it's been through a lot, but still holds a commanding presence. Curator: Indeed. Coins such as this were tools of propaganda, circulating the image of the emperor and reinforcing his legitimacy throughout the empire. Editor: This speaks to the intersection of power and representation, doesn't it? How images, even on something as small as a coin, shape narratives and reinforce authority? Curator: Precisely. Considering Maxentius's relatively brief and contested reign, pieces like this offer a tangible connection to his attempts at consolidating power. Editor: A fascinating object, both for its historical context and its ability to evoke such powerful narratives about authority and its fragility. Curator: It certainly makes you think about the stories and ideologies embedded within the objects we encounter daily.