Coin of Constantine I 305 - 306

Curator: Here we have a coin of Constantine I, a small bronze piece held in the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredible to think of the historical weight packed into its 3.22 grams. Editor: You know, it’s funny, but when I look at this, I think of old pennies I’ve found in my couch—but this one definitely has more gravitas, maybe because it's a literal portrait of power? Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were crucial for disseminating Constantine's image and solidifying his rule. His likeness served as a powerful propaganda tool. Editor: Propaganda as art, art as propaganda. I wonder what Constantine would think of us analyzing his headshot centuries later. I bet he'd love it. Curator: It really speaks to the complex relationship between image, power, and the construction of identity in the Roman Empire. It's a story that continues to resonate today. Editor: A tiny object, a huge story. Makes you think, huh? Curator: Indeed, a lasting testament to the enduring influence of visual culture.