Coin of Constantine VII c. 914 - 919

Curator: This is a coin of Constantine VII. Its worn surface suggests a long journey through time. Editor: Yes, it feels weighty not just in mass at 3.67g, but with the weight of history and power dynamics. Curator: Note how the patina obscures the inscriptions, adding an element of mystery. The formal arrangement of text contributes to its solemnity. Editor: The inscriptions must have been a deliberate act to wield influence, embedding messages about the Byzantine Empire. Who was Constantine trying to reach? Curator: Perhaps he aimed to solidify his reign, given how currency embodies the state's authority. Editor: I wonder what narratives this coin could tell about social mobility or trade? Curator: We are left to ponder the coin's silent testimony, an object withstanding time. Editor: Indeed, a lasting tangible link to a complex past.