Follis of Constantius I, Lugdunum 298

Editor: This is a Follis of Constantius I, from Lugdunum. It's made by Constantius I Chlorus, and it's at the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredible to see how such a small object carries so much history. What symbols do you see at play in this piece? Curator: Consider how this coin, once commonplace, served as a constant reminder of imperial power. The portrait of Constantius isn't just a likeness; it's a carefully constructed symbol of authority. The figure on the reverse, often a representation of a deity or abstract concept like "Peace" or "Victory," reinforces the emperor’s claims to legitimacy and divine favor. What emotional associations do these images evoke, even now? Editor: It’s amazing to think about how images shape perception. This coin is not just currency but carefully constructed propaganda. Curator: Precisely! It gives us a tangible link to the psychological landscape of the Roman Empire.