Coin (AE3) of Constantine I, Siscia 319

Curator: Here we have an intriguing artifact: a coin of Constantine I, specifically an AE3 type from Siscia. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its weathered patina; it speaks volumes about the journey it's been on. Curator: Absolutely. It gives us a tangible connection to Constantine’s era and his project to consolidate power while simultaneously shaping the early church. Editor: Considering its size and the base metal—the very production of these objects provided essential economic circulation and underscores labor within the Roman empire. Curator: Indeed, the image of Constantine himself, and the symbols of his reign, broadcast messages about imperial authority and the emperor's perceived divinely ordained right to rule. Editor: One can imagine countless hands that have exchanged it and, perhaps, the social positions of each. Curator: Precisely. It is an intimate lens through which we can examine the intersection of power, belief, and daily life in the late Roman world. Editor: Materially, we're holding a piece of an economic and social network. Curator: A potent, material testament to a pivotal epoch.