Coin (AE4) of Arcadius, Constantinople (CONS3) 388 - 392

Editor: Here we have an ancient coin, a bronze AE4 of Arcadius from Constantinople. The coin’s rough texture speaks to its age, and it feels charged with history. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see the imprint of power, quite literally. This coin isn't just currency; it's a manufactured object, a tool used to disseminate the image and authority of Arcadius. The material itself, bronze, was readily available, allowing for mass production and broad distribution. The wear and corrosion further illustrate its journey through time and the hands it passed through, reflecting the everyday labor and economy of the era. Editor: So you focus on the material and its role in society? Curator: Precisely. The very act of producing and circulating these coins shaped the social fabric of Constantinople. It speaks volumes about the intersection of power, material resources, and the lives of ordinary people. Editor: That's a completely different way of seeing it; I appreciate that. Curator: Indeed. Shifting the focus from the artistic value to the production and usage provides a richer understanding.