Coin of Constans II c. 651 - 654

Curator: This is a gold coin minted during the reign of Constans II, a Byzantine Emperor in the 7th century. It weighs just 4.30 grams. Editor: The material itself immediately strikes me. Its golden surface, despite the wear, retains a certain luster and a sense of inherent value. Curator: Absolutely. The coin tells us about power, trade, and identity during a turbulent period. Constans II was a controversial figure, and these coins were tools to solidify his image. Editor: Note the figure on the obverse—the meticulous detailing of the beard and crown. And on the reverse, the cross. These are not merely decorative elements. Curator: Indeed. The cross speaks to the Byzantine Empire's deep entwinement with Christianity, legitimizing the emperor's rule as divinely ordained. It highlights the power structures within the period. Editor: And the material, gold, underscores this association with power and divine right. It’s a beautiful convergence of symbol and substance. Curator: Thinking about the coin’s journey through time, we can reflect on the complex history of economic and religious control. Editor: By understanding its visual language, we’re offered a glimpse into the Byzantine world.