Coin (AE4) of Arcadius c. 383 - 386

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin, or AE4, of Arcadius. It's a tiny thing, but feels weighty with history. I'm intrigued by the production of such objects, and their use. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the social and economic systems of its time. Consider the labor involved in mining, smelting, and striking these coins. Each one represents a physical transaction, embodying labor and resources. Editor: So it’s more than just currency; it’s a record of production and exchange? Curator: Exactly. The coin's value isn't just monetary, it's deeply embedded in the materiality of the metal and the labor that went into its creation. Seeing it this way shifts our understanding of its purpose. Editor: I never considered it from that perspective. Thank you.