Coin of Constantine I 330 - 337

Curator: This is a coin of Constantine I, a Roman emperor whose reign significantly shaped the course of Western history. It weighs just 2.75 grams. Editor: The coin's worn surface and subtle details evoke a feeling of age and history. It’s a powerful symbol of how power and influence can endure through objects. Curator: Absolutely. Think about how Constantine legalized Christianity and convened the Council of Nicaea. This coin speaks to his role in shaping religious and political landscapes that reverberate even today. Editor: We also have to consider how coinage operates as a propaganda machine, disseminating a controlled image of the emperor and his values. The distribution of these coins played an important role in the socio-political landscape of the time. Curator: Indeed. Examining the coin within the context of gender, race, and class allows us to examine how these systems of power were reinforced or contested through objects in ancient Rome. Editor: This coin serves as a tangible reminder of the complex interplay between power, identity, and belief in history. Curator: A lot to unpack in such a small object.