Tremissis of Honorius, Constantinople 403 - 423

Editor: This is a Tremissis of Honorius, a gold coin made in Constantinople. The imagery seems very deliberate, even propagandistic. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: The profile of Honorius immediately conveys imperial power, doesn't it? But look at the reverse. Victory, holding a wreath and globe, embodies Rome's ambition for eternal dominance. Editor: So, the coin’s purpose wasn't just monetary, but also to project authority? Curator: Exactly! This tiny object carries the weight of a collapsing empire, striving to maintain its image through potent symbols. Do you feel the anxiety beneath the surface? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but now I see it's more than just a coin; it's a carefully constructed message. Curator: Indeed. It is a message sent through time, waiting to be read.