Siliqua of Theodosius II 438 - 450

Curator: Before us, we have a Siliqua of Theodosius II, located here at the Harvard Art Museums. A delicate piece, likely silver, dating back to the early Byzantine era. Editor: It feels incredibly weighty despite its size. There's a certain solemnity to it, knowing that it once held monetary and symbolic power. Curator: These coins, beyond their economic function, acted as instruments of imperial propaganda. The image of Theodosius would have been instantly recognizable, reinforcing his authority. Editor: The holes are intriguing. Was it worn as an amulet? What sort of protection or status might it have signaled? Curator: The act of defacing the coin in this way is interesting. It suggests a shift in its perceived value, from a symbol of the emperor to a personal keepsake, or perhaps even a discarded object. Editor: Precisely. It's a reminder that symbols evolve, and their meanings are always subject to cultural and personal interpretation. Curator: Indeed. This tiny coin speaks volumes about the shifting sands of power and the enduring human need for symbols.