Coin of Constantine I, London 310

Editor: Here we have a coin of Constantine I, likely from London, and it seems to be made of bronze. It looks so small, yet it carried immense power and meaning. What can you tell me about its purpose? Curator: Think about the labor and resources extracted to mint this coin. This wasn't just currency; it was propaganda, mass-produced to circulate an image of imperial power. Consider the materiality - bronze, a common yet durable metal - and the message that conveys about the empire’s reach. Editor: So, it's not just about wealth; it's about control over resources and the dissemination of a message. Fascinating! I had not considered the "means of production" for such a small piece. Curator: Exactly. Each coin is a testament to the power structures of the time and the ways in which they permeated everyday life through material objects.