As of Maximian 

Curator: This is an "As" coin of Maximian, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The production of such coins speaks volumes about imperial administration. Editor: It's a humble object really, but you can sense the weight of the Roman Empire within it. Curator: Precisely. The material, likely bronze or copper, tells us about the economic systems in place, the mines exploited, and the labor involved in its creation. Was it local or imperial production? Editor: Beyond that, it's a portable form of propaganda, isn't it? Each one carrying an image of power and authority into everyday transactions. Curator: Absolutely. The iconography reflects the emperor's attempt to legitimize rule. The coin's circulation reinforced the empire’s socio-political order. Editor: It's fascinating how such a small object embodies so many complex systems. Curator: Indeed. A testament to how material culture shapes history.