Follis of Maxentius, Ticinum 308 - 310

Curator: This is a follis of Maxentius, struck in Ticinum, now part of Italy. Editor: Immediately, I see a rather imposing portrait, yet the overall texture feels worn and almost melancholic. Curator: Indeed. The verdigris adds a layer of visual complexity, obscuring but also highlighting the incised lines that define the emperor's profile. Editor: It evokes the weight of history. The imagery, though degraded, suggests power and perhaps the divine right to rule, encoded in a temple representation. Curator: The composition balances the emperor's image with an architectural structure. The coin itself becomes a miniature monument to both the man and his power. Editor: It’s remarkable how such a small object carries such a heavy cultural load, with symbols speaking volumes across centuries. Curator: Precisely. The interplay of line, form, and material degradation allows us to contemplate the passage of time and the endurance of certain visual motifs. Editor: A potent reminder that even the smallest objects can whisper epic stories.