Follis of Constantine I, Thessalonica c. 312

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Constantine I from Thessalonica. The wear and tear on this small coin speaks volumes. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a carefully crafted piece of propaganda, a tool of power projecting Constantine's image and authority. Do you notice the symbols, the inscriptions? Editor: Yes, I see the figure on the reverse... Curator: Consider how this imagery, circulated widely, shaped perceptions of leadership and imperial power among diverse populations. How does this connect to modern media strategies? Editor: It's interesting to think about how something so small could have such a large impact on shaping public opinion. Curator: Exactly! It challenges our understanding of art as simply aesthetic, revealing its role in constructing political and social realities.