Coin (AE2) of Arcadius, Cyzicus (SMK3) 392 - 395

Curator: Here we have a bronze coin, specifically an AE2 of Arcadius, minted in Cyzicus. Editor: It's striking how much history a small object can hold; I’m immediately drawn to the worn surface, hinting at countless transactions, countless hands. Curator: The imagery is fairly standard for the era. On one side, we see the profile of Arcadius himself, adorned with a diadem, symbolizing his imperial status. Editor: And flipping it over, there's a figure—possibly Victory—holding a globe, continuing the visual language of power and dominion so crucial for maintaining control. I wonder how this coin circulated among different social strata? Curator: Exactly. Consider how an image reinforces cultural memory through the repetition of symbols. The globe isn't just an object; it's a declaration. Editor: Absolutely, and recognizing that this declaration was inherently tied to systems of oppression and subjugation invites critical reflection. Curator: These kinds of objects really show the long legacies of visual representation. Editor: Indeed, the coin invites us to contextualize power and image-making both then and now.