Solidus of Theodosius II, Constantinople 402 - 403

Curator: Here we have a Solidus of Theodosius II, a gold coin from Constantinople, now part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: The lustrous gold makes me think of opulent power, doesn't it? Like holding a little piece of imperial ego in your palm. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery is carefully chosen. The emperor's portrait, wreathed in laurel, symbolizes victory and authority. The reverse depicts a seated figure representing Constantinople herself, a symbol of the empire's strength. Editor: I love that a city could be a person, almost a goddess. And gold, of course, always embodies prestige and eternal worth. Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were potent propaganda. They reinforced the emperor's image and projected an aura of stability. Editor: It's amazing how much meaning is packed into something so small. You know, a coin is an artwork people physically interacted with every day. Curator: Exactly! It speaks volumes about how rulers wanted to be perceived, not just in their time, but for posterity. Editor: Definitely worth more than its weight in gold, wouldn't you say?