Coin of Arcadius, Constantinople 388 - 392

Editor: Here we have a copper coin of Arcadius, likely from around the late 4th century. It looks quite worn. What social narratives might this little object reveal? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about power, representation, and the everyday lives of people within the late Roman Empire. Who was Arcadius, and whose image is being circulated here? How does its materiality speak to accessibility and value? Editor: Arcadius was an emperor, right? It's interesting to think about how this was probably touched by so many different hands. Curator: Exactly. Coins weren't just currency; they were tools of propaganda, asserting imperial authority and conveying specific ideologies. The wear and tear you noticed is important. It shows how it circulated, becoming a part of people’s economic transactions and lived experiences. Editor: So, it represents an intersection of power and daily life. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. Thinking about art in terms of these power dynamics allows us a richer, more nuanced understanding of history.