Follis of Constantine I, Rome 312 - 313

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Constantine I from Rome, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's intriguing how the copper material has aged. What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: The coin’s materiality points to broader socio-economic systems. Its production reflects Roman resource extraction and labor practices. Consider how its value, literally stamped onto the metal, shaped Roman commerce and power dynamics. Editor: So, the coin isn't just a representation, it's part of the economy? Curator: Exactly. This small object embodies material processes and the power structures of its time. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure.