Coin of Constans II c. 647

Editor: This is a gold coin of Constans II, dating from sometime in his reign. The portrait is so stylized. What visual language is this coin speaking? Curator: It's fascinating how such a small object can hold so much cultural weight. Notice the stylized portrait of the emperor. It's not just a likeness; it’s a statement of power and divine right. What symbols do you see repeated, and what might they represent? Editor: I see a cross on both sides. It really emphasizes how faith and power were intertwined. Curator: Precisely. It's a constant visual reminder of the emperor's role as God's representative on Earth. This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda, a carefully constructed image meant to project authority. Does that change how you view it? Editor: It makes me think about how symbols evolve and persist through history. Thanks!