Solidus of Zeno, Thessalonike 476 - 491

Editor: Here we have a solidus from Thessalonike, honoring Zeno. The weight is minimal, only 4.5 grams, but the golden sheen makes it feel grand. What catches your eye in this tiny time capsule? Curator: It’s that gleam, isn't it? It whispers of power, of an emperor's reach distilled into a portable sun. I imagine someone clutching it, feeling connected to Zeno himself. The images are worn, yet they tell a story of authority and perhaps, a longing for stability. A little prayer in metal, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely, the wear and tear add to its story! It's like holding a piece of history that has been touched by many hands. Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder what stories it could tell. Every scratch, every imperfection...a little echo of the past. Editor: I never thought of it that way.