Follis of Galerius, Alexandria c. 308 - 310

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Galerius, from Alexandria, crafted by Galerius himself. It’s a tiny, humble coin, yet it feels like a direct connection to the Roman Empire. What stories do you think this little piece of metal whispers? Curator: It whispers of power, doesn't it? The weight of an empire condensed into a coin. Look at the portrait, the idealized features, the deliberate inscription. It's propaganda, pure and simple, a carefully crafted image designed to project authority across vast distances. Editor: So it's less about everyday transactions and more about solidifying power? Curator: Exactly. Imagine the impact of these images, circulating throughout the Empire, reinforcing the Emperor's image in the minds of the people. It’s a kind of early form of mass communication. Editor: It's fascinating to think of such a small object carrying so much weight. I'll never look at a coin the same way again. Curator: That's the magic of art, isn't it? To see the universe in a grain of sand.