Consecration Coin of Constantine I, Antioch 337 - 347

Curator: This is a bronze coin, a "Consecration Coin of Constantine I, Antioch," currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels like a relic, something whispered about in history books. The metal's patina speaks of age and long journeys. Curator: These coins were likely minted after Constantine's death to commemorate him, a form of imperial propaganda, if you will. Editor: A potent symbol, really, distilling power and legacy into something small enough to hold in your palm. Imagine what it meant to those who first held it. Curator: Absolutely. This coin embodies the intersection of political power and religious ideology within the Roman Empire. It speaks volumes about how rulers control their narratives and public perception. Editor: It also makes you think about how objects can carry so much meaning. This little coin, it is a portal. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us of the enduring power of imagery and symbolism throughout history. Editor: A small piece, a powerful story.