Follis of Maxentius, Ostia 309 - 312

Curator: This weathered coin, a Follis of Maxentius from Ostia, speaks volumes despite its small size. There is a gravitas to it. Editor: Yes, almost a tragic weight. Look at the patinated copper—it reveals so much of the material's journey and the coin's history as a tool for trade, for empire. Curator: It's a portrait, isn't it? A tiny, potent declaration of power, now worn smooth by time, whispering forgotten ambitions. I wonder what hands it has passed through. Editor: Exactly, and consider the labor involved. From mining the copper to striking the die, each stage represents human effort and Roman economic systems. Curator: The inscription, barely legible, adds to the mystery. It is a connection to a lost world. Editor: It's fascinating how something so simple, a single coin, can ground us in the tangible realities of the past. It’s a humble reminder of the social order. Curator: Looking at this little coin, I’m reminded how even grand empires turn to dust. Editor: A poignant end to our examination of this artifact's story as a material object.