Coin of Arcadius, Cyzicus 392 - 395

Curator: Here we have a glimpse into the late Roman Empire: a coin of Arcadius, struck in Cyzicus. Editor: It looks so worn, yet dignified. The copper's patination suggests a long, buried history, and the chipped edges hint at a tumultuous past. Curator: Indeed. On one side, we see a profile of Arcadius, rendered with precise lines and classical restraint. On the reverse, a standing figure holds what appears to be a standard or scepter. Editor: The figure seems to embody power and authority, recalling iconic depictions of emperors and deities from earlier eras. What stories this small object could tell! Curator: Precisely! The coin serves as a potent symbol, reflecting the emperor’s image and projecting imperial ideology. Editor: Thinking about the imagery, the coin feels like a tangible link to a vanished world—a reminder of the enduring power of symbols. Curator: And a fine example of the engraver's art within a small format. Editor: Ultimately, it's both a relic and a work of art.