Follis of Constantine I, Ticinum 313

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Constantine I, minted in Ticinum. It’s quite small, weighing just over 3 grams. Editor: It looks incredibly worn; the patina almost obscures the imagery. Curator: Indeed, but that wear tells a story. These coins weren't just currency; they were tools of propaganda, circulating images of imperial power. Editor: How fascinating to think of the constant circulation of these images, subtly enforcing a certain power dynamic within society. It's a reminder of the pervasive role of media, even in the ancient world. Curator: Absolutely. And consider how the act of minting and distributing these coins further consolidated Constantine's rule. The images he chose, the messages they conveyed... Editor: A tangible symbol, quite literally, of power and control. Thinking about whose faces, bodies, and ideals are minted into currency is deeply relevant to contemporary conversations about representation. Curator: Precisely. Even this humble coin prompts reflections on the narratives we choose to perpetuate.