Follis of Maximinus II, Alexandria 308 - 310

Curator: This is a follis coin from Alexandria, minted under Maximinus II. Look closely at its weight, just 7.41 grams. Editor: It looks small, but weighty with history. The patina is also quite lovely, a testament to its age and journey. Curator: Indeed. Notice how the portrait is rendered—the crisp lines and the use of implied texture to convey imperial power. Editor: The coin's imagery served as propaganda, intended to bolster the emperor’s legitimacy and project an image of strength during a turbulent period. Curator: Exactly. The semiotics of the imagery—the figure on the reverse and the emperor's profile—speak volumes about the intended message. Editor: It makes me wonder about the artisan's personal politics and how they felt about producing imagery for the emperor. Curator: A fascinating thought. Considering the visual language of the piece and its historical role allows us to understand the emperor's perception of his image. Editor: Ultimately, this coin represents more than just currency; it is a symbol of power and the culture that produced it.