Follis of Constantine I, Rome 320 - 321

Curator: Before us, we have a follis of Constantine I, a small coin from the Roman era, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how the green patina softens the metal, giving it this aged, almost ethereal quality. One can almost feel the weight of history. Curator: Indeed, the symbolism of the emperor’s profile, the inscriptions—they all speak to power and authority. Editor: Absolutely, but it's also about the copper alloy used, how the metal was molded, the labor involved in creating these objects that facilitated trade. It connects us to the economic realities of the time. Curator: The coin served both a practical and symbolic function. The emperor’s image, a symbol of stability, circulated throughout the empire. Editor: Well, seeing the transformation of base metal into a symbol of power certainly highlights the ingenuity of the Roman economy. Curator: Looking at this artifact, I can imagine how the symbolic weight of the coin was far greater than its mere monetary worth. Editor: I am left considering its journey, from the mint to the marketplace, and finally here, in the museum's collection.