Follis of Galerius, Cyzicus 308 - 309

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Galerius from Cyzicus, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, weighing in at 7.42 grams. Editor: It's remarkably weathered, isn't it? The surfaces are worn, but that only adds to its aura of ancient authority. Curator: Indeed, the weathering speaks volumes about its history. Coins like this one were not just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda. The images and inscriptions were carefully chosen to convey power and legitimacy. Editor: Note the incised portrait on the obverse side, the laurel wreath indicating victory. The figure on the reverse, likely a depiction of a deity, acts as an endorsement of Galerius's rule. Curator: The mint at Cyzicus, where this follis was produced, was particularly important in the late Roman Empire, and its coins circulated widely, solidifying Galerius's presence throughout the region. Editor: So, a tangible object that literally embodies the weight of the emperor's influence. It leaves you wondering about its journey through time and the hands it has passed through. Curator: Precisely, a humble artifact resonating with echoes of a vast empire.