Follis of Constantine I, Trier 313 - 315

Editor: This is a Follis of Constantine I, likely made in Trier. It’s worn, but you can still make out the figure's profile on one side. What can we tell about the social context from this coin? Curator: Well, the material itself speaks volumes. Bronze, a relatively common metal, signals widespread production and circulation. Consider the labor involved – from mining the ore to striking each individual coin. Editor: So the value isn't just monetary, but also tied to the work that went into it? Curator: Precisely. The coin embodies not just imperial power, but also the vast network of laborers and material resources that sustained that power. We must consider the economic and social impact such mass production had. Editor: That's a fascinating way to look at it. Curator: Indeed. Examining the coin through a materialist lens reveals much more than just its face value.