Follis of Antioch under Severus II c. 306

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Antioch under Severus II. It's a humble bronze coin, yet the portrait feels so imposing. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It's fascinating how a coin, a tool of empire, becomes a site for examining power and representation. Severus II's image, multiplied and circulated, projects authority, but also relies on the consent, or at least the participation, of a vast populace. What does it mean to have his face in your pocket? Editor: So, more than just currency, it's about the relationship between the ruler and the ruled? Curator: Precisely! Consider the visual language: the stern gaze, the laurel wreath. These aren't just aesthetic choices; they're carefully constructed symbols of imperial power meant to communicate a very specific message about who holds power, and how. Editor: I hadn't considered that. It's like a carefully crafted political campaign. Curator: Indeed! Even its circulation tells us about identity and empire. Editor: Thank you. This reframes how I see ancient artifacts.