Coin (AE3) of Arcadius 392 - 395

Curator: Look at the texture of this coin. Time and handling have given it such a distinct patina. Editor: Indeed. The coin is attributed to Arcadius, and while its date is uncertain, its existence speaks volumes about the Roman Empire's visual culture. Curator: I'm immediately drawn to how the portrait of Arcadius fills its circular frame, the incised lettering almost touching the edges. Editor: The reverse depicts a standard, a symbol that was politically charged for that period. It’s a statement of imperial power, aimed at reaching all levels of society. Curator: I find the material so compelling. It's a humble, everyday object that now whispers stories of power, trade, and belief. Editor: It's striking how even such a small object can encapsulate so much about a ruler’s ambition.