AE Constantius I, Alexandria 

Curator: This coin, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, is an AE of Constantius I, minted in Alexandria. The details are fascinating, aren't they? Editor: It’s powerful, isn’t it? Feels like I'm holding a tiny piece of ancient authority right here. I wonder what stories this little bronze disc could tell. Curator: Well, the imagery is rather revealing. On one side we see a portrait of Constantius I, the emperor himself. Coins like this were vital for projecting imperial power and legitimacy. Editor: That’s so interesting! I love how something so small could carry such weight—it's like a miniature billboard from another world! You can almost feel the political currents of the time. Curator: Absolutely. This coin provides insight into the complex dynamics of imperial representation and the socio-political messaging embedded within everyday objects. It’s a tangible link to the past. Editor: Just imagine the hands it passed through, all the transactions, the tiny dramas of daily life. Gives you a real shiver of connection to the people then. Curator: Indeed, this artifact provides a glimpse into the vast networks of power, trade, and cultural exchange of the late Roman Empire. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just dates and battles. Editor: It makes you wonder, what will our everyday objects say about us in a thousand years? Heavy stuff!