Coin (AE4) of Constans, Constantinople 333 - 335

Editor: This is a bronze coin, an AE4 of Constans, struck in Constantinople. The wear on it is incredible, it feels like I am holding a small piece of ancient history. What can you tell me about its historical significance? Curator: This coin, beyond its monetary value, represents the power structures of the Roman Empire. Coins served as propaganda. Consider whose image is displayed, and what message its circulation conveys about imperial authority and the political landscape of the time. Editor: So, it's more than just money; it's a statement? Curator: Precisely. Think about the social implications: who had access to these coins, what did they buy, and how did this impact the economic and social hierarchies of Constantinople? Consider the hands through which it passed. Editor: I never thought about a coin telling such a complex story. Thanks! Curator: Every artifact is a text waiting to be read, revealing narratives of power, identity, and exchange.