Follis of Maxentius, Aquileia 307

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Maxentius, from Aquileia. Editor: It's immediately striking—the verdigris patina tells a story of the very material changing over time. Curator: Indeed. This coin, made of bronze and weighing just 6.5 grams, served as propaganda during Maxentius's tumultuous reign in the early 4th century. Coins were a cheap way to reach and influence the public, weren't they? Editor: Absolutely. Considering the labor involved, you have to think about the mines where the ore was extracted, the skilled workers who struck the coin, and its intended circulation. The materiality speaks volumes about the empire's infrastructure. Curator: And its ambition! The coin depicts Maxentius himself, projecting power, alongside symbolic imagery intended to legitimize his rule. Editor: It is fascinating to consider such a small, humble object could act as such a powerful tool of social control. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were miniature billboards of their time, revealing the relationship between art and imperial power. Editor: And the transformation of raw materials into symbols of authority. Food for thought.