Tremissis of Arcadius, Constantinople 383 - 388

Curator: Here we have a Tremissis of Arcadius, a gold coin made in Constantinople. Look closely at the details despite its small size! Editor: It’s almost ghostly, in a way. A little spectral glint of wealth and power across centuries, isn’t it? Curator: Exactly. The imagery on coins like this was incredibly important. The emperor's portrait served as a constant reminder of his authority. And the reverse usually featured symbols of victory or power. Editor: And power that was, of course, deeply entwined with the church. The figure on the reverse seems divinely sanctioned. These coins really are these potent little assertions of dominance. Curator: Absolutely. Every element, from the inscriptions to the imagery, played a role in constructing and disseminating a specific image of imperial power. Editor: Thinking about how many hands this coin might have passed through, what it could have bought...it’s a chilling reminder of the structures of wealth and authority that continue to reverberate today. Curator: I agree. This artifact is an enduring symbol of Arcadius and his reign, and a reminder of the lasting power of imagery. Editor: It speaks volumes about how we continue to negotiate power, visibility, and representation even now.