Coin (AE3) of Gratian, Thessalonica 367 - 383

Curator: Here we have a coin of Gratian, specifically an AE3 from Thessalonica. It offers a fascinating glimpse into late Roman imperial power. Editor: The way the patina obscures the details is compelling; the green almost feels like it's consuming the emperor’s likeness. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this were crucial tools for disseminating imperial imagery and solidifying Gratian's authority across the empire. Editor: The formal repetition of circular forms is also striking – coin, emperor’s head, legend all echo each other. Curator: Absolutely, and such repetition aimed to reinforce a sense of stability and order, even as the empire faced significant challenges. Editor: It's amazing how such a small object could carry such weight. Curator: The coin reminds us that even everyday objects can be powerful symbols of political and social ideologies. Editor: It speaks volumes.