Siliqua of Honorius, Constantinople 403 - 408

Editor: Here we have a Siliqua of Honorius from Constantinople. What strikes me is how this small coin embodies power, yet its damaged state hints at vulnerability. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin offers a lens into the late Roman Empire, a period marked by shifting power dynamics and social unrest. The image of Honorius, idealized yet rendered on such a humble object, speaks to the complex relationship between rulers and the ruled. Editor: So, it's not just about the Emperor's image but also about the power structures of the time? Curator: Precisely. How did this coin circulate? Who used it? It's a material witness to the economic and social realities of a crumbling empire, reflecting inequalities and the ever-present tension between authority and everyday life. Editor: That's a fascinating way to think about it, seeing it as a social commentary rather than just a portrait. Curator: Indeed. Art objects are never neutral; they participate in and reflect the power structures of their time. Editor: I'll never look at a coin the same way again!