Follis of Licinius I, Heraclea 315 - 316

Editor: This is a Follis of Licinius I from Heraclea. It's made of bronze and has a distinct green patina. The coin's eroded surface speaks to its age and journey through time. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: The degradation is itself significant. It speaks to the coin's life cycle of production, circulation, and eventual loss. Consider the labor involved in its creation: mining the ore, refining the metal, striking the image. Editor: That's a great point. So, it represents the entire process, from the earth to commerce? Curator: Precisely. It's not just an image of power; it's a record of the material conditions of power. What did you expect to notice first when looking at it? Editor: I hadn't considered its material history so deeply. Curator: By focusing on the material, we can rethink it not just as art but as a historical artifact.