Follis of Maximinus 

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Maximinus Daia. It's a coin, so quite small and detailed. The images and inscriptions are powerful even though the coin is worn with age. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Coins are fascinating time capsules. The effigy of Maximinus and the figure on the reverse aren't just portraits, but carefully chosen symbols of power and legitimacy meant to be widely disseminated and instantly recognizable. Editor: So, it's all about the message? Curator: Precisely. Consider the intended audience: the Roman populace. The imagery reinforced the emperor's authority and the empire's values. Do you see any elements on the coin that stand out to you? Editor: The figure on the back holds something. Is that significant? Curator: Indeed. The attributes a figure holds, the clothes they wear, each detail is loaded with meaning. The object held tells us about the promise the emperor is making to the people. Seeing how these symbols evolve over time reveals a lot about cultural shifts. Editor: This makes me think about how symbols function today too. Curator: Exactly. Visual language is a powerful, ever-evolving force connecting past and present.