Centenionalis? of Constantius II, Rome 352 - 355

Curator: Here we have a Centenionalis? of Constantius II, a small bronze coin dating back to the Roman Empire. Editor: It looks so worn, almost like it's been pulled straight from the earth. I immediately get a sense of time, of histories layered upon histories. Curator: Its materiality speaks volumes. Beyond its monetary value, it embodies the sociopolitical realities of its time. Coins like this were tools of imperial messaging. Editor: Exactly. I see the faint markings and wonder about the images they once held. What symbols of power, prosperity, or divinity were stamped here? Curator: Probably an imperial portrait, maybe even a figure of Victory. The circulation of these images cemented the emperor’s presence in everyday life. Editor: It's fascinating how a simple object can carry such weight, reflecting not just economic value but also cultural and ideological narratives. Curator: Indeed. Consider the implications of using a coin, literally something small enough to be carried in one's pocket, to impose a political system onto the public. Editor: This coin has certainly sparked a whole new perspective on how even everyday objects can hold a lot of cultural significance. Curator: It reminds us that even the smallest artifacts offer important insights into the complex world of the Roman Empire.