Follis of Constans I as Caesar, Antioch 330 - 335

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Constans I as Caesar, Antioch. It’s a small, worn coin. What story does its materiality tell us? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the Roman Empire’s economic and social structures. Its material, likely bronze, and its production in Antioch, highlight the decentralization of power. Consider the labor involved in mining, smelting, and striking these coins. Editor: So, beyond just currency, it reflects labor and administration? Curator: Precisely. And the wear suggests extensive circulation. Its journey through hands reflects the daily lives and transactions of ordinary people under Roman rule. Editor: I hadn't considered its everyday use. Thanks. Curator: Indeed, a simple coin, yet a complex network of production and consumption embodied in metal.