Follis of Constantine I, Antioch 326 - 327

Curator: Looking at this coin, you immediately feel the weight of history, don’t you? Editor: Absolutely, a tangible link to the past. The patina tells a story of being buried for centuries! What can you tell me about it? Curator: This is a Follis of Constantine I, minted in Antioch. Imagine the Roman Empire at its height. Editor: It's such a powerful symbol, isn't it? The portrait of Constantine, the very image of imperial authority. The coin served as propaganda. Curator: Precisely. Coins were crucial for disseminating imperial ideology. They reached every corner of the empire. Editor: And the image on the reverse? It looks like a walled city. Another clear declaration of power. Curator: It's a reminder of imperial strength and order, reflecting Constantine's control. Editor: Considering its circulation, it served as a constant reminder of who was in charge. The scale of influence these objects had is mind-boggling. Curator: It's a small object, but a mighty artifact that held significant meaning. Editor: A testament to how power and identity are shaped by symbols and objects, even the smallest ones.