Coin (AE3) of Constantius , Rome c. 4th century

Editor: This artifact is a coin made by Constantius II. It seems weathered, doesn't it? What kind of messages were coins like this intended to send? Curator: Coins, especially in the Roman era, were powerful propaganda tools. Consider what images and inscriptions are chosen: who is being represented and how? Editor: So, its purpose goes beyond just currency? Curator: Absolutely. It circulated not just wealth, but also imperial power and ideology throughout the empire. What does it say about the emperor’s priorities? Editor: That makes me think about how public art shapes the way we understand the world, even today. Curator: Precisely. It’s a constant negotiation of power and perception.