Coin (AE3) of Constantine I 315

Editor: Here we have "Coin (AE3) of Constantine I," a small bronze coin now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's amazing to hold a piece of history like this. What can you tell me about its place in the world, its purpose? Curator: These coins were not mere currency; they were propaganda tools. Consider the iconography: the ruler's portrait, divine symbols. These images, circulated widely, shaped public perception and reinforced imperial power. How do you think the standardization of these images impacted social cohesion? Editor: I guess it created a shared visual language, reinforcing the emperor's authority across the empire. It's a bit like a social media campaign, centuries before the internet! Curator: Exactly! And the coin's survival in museums today? It continues to project power, albeit in a different context, influencing our understanding of history. Editor: Seeing it that way really shifts my perspective. It's more than just an artifact; it's a carefully constructed message.