Follis of Constantine I, Rome c. 317

Editor: Here we have a Roman bronze coin, a Follis of Constantine I. The portraits look powerful, but I wonder, what can numismatic art tell us about power and identity? Curator: Coins were potent tools of propaganda, especially for emperors like Constantine. Consider the imagery: what does his portrait convey about imperial authority? Editor: I see the laurel wreath and stern expression. It's meant to project strength, right? Curator: Absolutely, but also think about the intended audience. How might this imagery resonate differently across social classes or geographic regions within the Roman Empire? It can be a lens for understanding societal values and political power structures of the time. Editor: That's fascinating. It's more than just an image; it's a cultural artifact. Curator: Precisely. By examining the coin's iconography, distribution, and reception, we can glean insights into the complexities of Roman imperial ideology.