Coin of Constantius Gallus c. 4th century

Curator: This is a coin of Constantius Gallus, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. The details, though worn, hint at the power dynamics of the Roman Empire. Editor: There's a certain heft to it, even visually; the texture and the way the light catches those worn surfaces create a stark portrait. Curator: Indeed, consider its materiality. As a piece of currency, it acted as a miniature propaganda tool. The emperor's profile, though degraded over time, served to project authority. Editor: And what do we make of the imagery on the reverse? The figure with the phoenix? It speaks of renewal, rebirth – themes carefully chosen to reinforce imperial legitimacy. Curator: Precisely. Examining such objects deepens our understanding of how power manifested itself. Editor: Yes, how the coin's visual elements contributed to reinforcing political power in its time.