Follis of Severus II, Cyzicus 305 - 306

Editor: So, this is a Follis of Severus II from Cyzicus. Looking at this coin, I'm immediately struck by its age and the wear. What stories do you think this little artifact holds? Curator: This follis, like other Roman coins, functioned as propaganda. The image of Severus II, carefully struck, reinforced his power and legitimacy. But consider, too, the power dynamics inherent in representation. Who *isn't* represented here? Editor: That's interesting, you mean like, what groups might have been marginalized in this depiction of power? Curator: Exactly. How does a coin like this uphold a particular social order, and who benefits from its circulation? What do you make of the coin's materiality and its state of preservation? Editor: I guess the verdigris, the green, feels like the weight of history, right? It's almost like the coin is reclaiming itself, becoming something new. Curator: Precisely. It reminds us that history isn't fixed, but constantly being re-interpreted, even by the very objects we study. Editor: I never thought about a coin having so much to say. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about! Curator: My pleasure. It’s always enriching to find the hidden dialogues within these historical objects.