Follis of Constantine I, Trier 320 - 321

Curator: Today, we're looking at a follis of Constantine I, minted in Trier. Editor: It's a somber little thing, isn't it? A flat, worn disc, imbued with a weight that exceeds its meager 1.98 grams. Curator: The symbolic weight is considerable. Note the emperor's profile: the laurel wreath, the severe gaze—each element signifying imperial authority. Editor: And the reverse? Something of an altar, I believe? It speaks to the economics of power: the labor of extraction, the value assigned, and the hands it passed through. Curator: Indeed. The altar embodies the Pax Romana, maintained through economic stability and military might, all distilled into this small, circulating object. Editor: It's a humble material witness to grand narratives. Considering its journey, its creation and circulation, the metal itself possesses a compelling story. Curator: An excellent point; thank you for bringing a different perspective to this symbolic piece. Editor: My pleasure; considering the implications of how things are made allows us to broaden our perspective.