Follis of Maxentius, Ostia 309 - 312

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Maxentius, a coin now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks well-worn, giving it a tangible connection to the past. What stories do you think it holds? Curator: This coin isn't just money; it's propaganda, a statement of power minted during a period of intense political struggle. Maxentius was a usurper, and everything he produced was designed to legitimize his rule. How might its imagery influence public perception? Editor: So, the coin becomes a tool, like a campaign poster today? Curator: Exactly! Consider how leaders throughout history have used images to shape narratives around identity and authority. This coin connects us to the power dynamics of ancient Rome and their echoes in our own world. Editor: I never thought of ancient coins as political statements. Curator: Seeing art as an active participant in its time, not just a passive reflection, opens up richer understandings.