Follis of Constantius Chlorus, Carthage c. 299 - 303

Curator: This weathered coin, a Follis of Constantius Chlorus from Carthage, strikes me as a poignant object, laden with the weight of empire. Editor: Absolutely, there’s a sense of resilience here, isn’t there? It's more than currency; it's a statement about power dynamics and the cultural imprint of Roman rule. Curator: Precisely! This coin, minted under Constantius I, speaks volumes about imperial iconography. The portrait, though worn, conveys authority, and the depiction on the reverse promotes ideas of justice and governance. Editor: How do you see this coin reflecting contemporary theories about identity and representation? The image of Constantius Chlorus isn't just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed performance of imperial power. Curator: Indeed. In its time, it would have been a widespread image, reinforcing the emperor's legitimacy. Its very existence reflects the institutional power to disseminate particular political imagery. Editor: Considering how empires rise and fall, the survival of something so small yet so powerful speaks volumes. Curator: It does, doesn't it? It invites us to contemplate the interplay of power, belief, and material culture across centuries.