Semissis of Zeno, Constantinople 476 - 491

Editor: This is a gold Semissis of Zeno, minted in Constantinople. It’s so small, but incredibly detailed. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: The Semissis, beyond its material worth, speaks volumes about power, representation, and cultural exchange in the late Roman Empire. Think about Zeno’s reign, a period of political instability and negotiation with various groups. How does this image of leadership legitimize and consolidate power? Editor: So, it’s not just currency, it's propaganda? Curator: Exactly! And consider how such a small object could travel vast distances, carrying not only economic value but also imperial ideology to different corners of the world. What impact did this have, do you think, on the perception and reception of Roman rule? Editor: I never thought about a coin having so much to say about history and power! Curator: Precisely! It makes you wonder about the stories it holds, and the hands it has passed through.