Follis of Constantius I, Trier 298 - 299

Curator: This is a Follis of Constantius I, minted in Trier. These coins were more than mere currency; they were powerful symbols. Editor: The wear and tear on this particular coin are striking. It feels heavy with history, a literal embodiment of the empire's reach and legacy. Curator: The figure on the obverse is Constantius himself, his profile presented with a distinct Roman gravitas meant to communicate power and authority. Editor: And the reverse? It shows a standing figure, perhaps symbolizing virtue or victory, but I wonder, victory for whom? Whose backs were these empires built on? Curator: The imagery was carefully chosen to project strength and stability. These symbols have staying power, transcending the immediate context of the time. Editor: I suppose, but to me, this coin also echoes the vast inequalities of the era, revealing an economic and power structure that privileged the few over the many. Curator: It's a tangible link to a distant past, demonstrating how rulers have sought to legitimize their power through crafted imagery. Editor: It's a reminder that every artifact, no matter how small, carries layers of complex, sometimes conflicting stories about power, identity, and value.