Follis of Maximinus II, Antioch 310

Editor: Here we have a follis of Maximinus II, a Roman coin, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The surfaces are worn but the imagery is still legible. How would you interpret the symbolism of this object? Curator: Coins like this weren’t just currency, they were powerful propaganda. Maximinus Daia used these images to associate himself with divine authority, specifically linking himself to the god Genius. It’s a clear assertion of power during a turbulent time. Editor: So, it's more than just money, it's a political statement? Curator: Exactly! Consider the message it sends when circulated widely. It's about controlling the narrative, visually embedding his rule within the cultural and religious landscape. It's a micro-monument intended for mass consumption. Editor: I hadn't considered the scale of its distribution. It recontextualizes the object and the ruler's ambition. Curator: Precisely. These coins offer a tangible connection to the political and cultural strategies of the Roman Empire.