Follis of Constantine I, Rome 324 - 325

Editor: So, this is a Follis of Constantine I from Rome. It’s incredibly small, and very worn. What strikes me is the power such a tiny object once held. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin, though small, speaks volumes about power and its representation. Consider how Constantine, through images on currency, controlled his narrative. How does this relate to contemporary issues of representation and power? Editor: I guess it's like how politicians today try to control their image. It's just a much older version of that. Curator: Exactly. And how did Constantine use images to legitimize his rule amidst religious and social shifts? Think about the rise of Christianity and how he navigated those waters. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It's more than just an old coin; it's about the intersection of power, religion, and image. Curator: Precisely. Even in decay, it prompts a dialogue on enduring social structures. Editor: Thanks, I have a lot to think about.