Coin (AE2) of Constantius II, Antioch 350 - 355

Editor: Here we have a copper coin of Constantius II, probably dating from the 4th century. Its worn texture speaks volumes. What does its creation and circulation tell us about the late Roman economy? Curator: Consider the labor involved in mining the copper, striking the coin, and the economic structures that supported it. This wasn't just currency; it represents the material base of imperial power. Who controlled the production and distribution? Editor: So, it's less about the Emperor's image and more about the system that produced it? Curator: Exactly. The coin itself is a product of social relations, reflecting the economic and material conditions of the time. What can analyzing its wear tell us about its lifespan? Editor: It really makes you rethink value, doesn’t it? Thanks for the insights! Curator: My pleasure, these artifacts are ripe with material history.