Coin of Constans II c. 642 - 643

Editor: Here we have a coin of Constans II, made of metal, its weight is about 4.6 grams. It's amazing how material objects like these, even in their deteriorated state, tell us so much about the past! What can you tell us about this coin? Curator: It speaks volumes about the Byzantine economy and its reliance on readily available metals, perhaps even recycled ones, for mass production. The degradation we see is also a testament to its journey through time and various hands. Editor: Recycled materials? Interesting. So its creation was perhaps less about artistry and more about utility? Curator: Exactly. Its value wasn't necessarily in its aesthetic qualities, but its weight and metal content, representing labor and trade. Editor: That makes perfect sense. Thanks for shedding some light on that! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about the material conditions certainly adds another layer of meaning.