Follis of Maxentius, Ostia 309 - 312

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Maxentius, from Ostia. It is currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s incredible to see how something so small could carry so much power. What strikes you most about this artifact? Curator: Its patinated surface whispers stories of time, doesn’t it? Each green fleck is a little echo of history. It makes me wonder about the hands it passed through, you know? Imagine the decisions made with this very coin! Editor: It’s like holding a tiny piece of an empire. Curator: Exactly! And it's not just about the value; it's about the message Maxentius wanted to send. What do you think, was it effective? Editor: Definitely gives you something to think about. Curator: Indeed, a tangible link to the past.