Follis of Galerius, Alexandria 308 - 310

Curator: This coin, a follis of Galerius from Alexandria, presents a fascinating glimpse into the visual rhetoric of imperial power. Its materiality speaks volumes. Editor: It looks so worn, like it has traveled through centuries of pockets and purses, carrying the weight of Roman power. Curator: Exactly. Minted during a period of significant political restructuring, the coin depicts Galerius, highlighting his authority within the Tetrarchy. How interesting that coinage was used to enforce a kind of political messaging! Editor: The imagery, then, serves a propagandistic function? One side shows Galerius's profile, while the other seems to portray a standing figure. Curator: Indeed. The standing figure may be a representation of a deity or perhaps another symbol of imperial authority. Consider how these images legitimized Galerius's rule within a diverse empire. Editor: It’s compelling to think about how this small object connected diverse populations through a shared visual language of power and belief. It really makes me wonder what messages we are putting into our own currency today. Curator: Absolutely, it prompts us to reflect on the legacies of power and representation that continue to shape our world. Editor: A tiny window into an empire, and a mirror for our own times.