Siliqua of Valentinian II, Trier 375 - 378

Curator: This is a siliqua of Valentinian II, struck in Trier. Just a tiny coin, weighing less than two grams. Editor: The level of detail achieved on such a small surface is striking; the crisp lines of the emperor's portrait, despite the wear. Curator: These coins served not just as currency but as imperial propaganda. Note how the emperor's image projects power and legitimacy. Editor: I'm drawn to the reverse, where Victory sits, her drapery articulated through incised lines, almost geometric in their simplification. Curator: The placement of this coin is crucial: it underscores the political instability of Valentinian's reign and the economic strategies employed. Editor: It's a fascinating miniature; a tangible connection to the late Roman Empire, complete with aesthetic and historical depths. Curator: Indeed, the object itself—its survival and rediscovery—opens a window onto trade, belief, and the circulation of power. Editor: Precisely. A powerful testament, condensed in precious metal.