Follis of Constantius I, Trier 298 - 299

Editor: Here we have a "Follis of Constantius I, Trier," made by Constantius I Chlorus. I am struck by the way the copper has aged, creating a unique texture. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: The materiality of the coin is fascinating. Each strike, each imperfection speaks to the labor involved. Consider also how this object, used in commerce, connected people. How did its production and circulation shape social relations within the Roman Empire? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn’t considered. It makes me think about the value we assign to objects. Curator: Precisely. The coin isn't just currency; it's a material record of an economic and political system. Thinking about its composition, circulation and what it represented offers a richer appreciation.