Centenionalis of Constantius II, Thessalonica 348 - 350

Editor: This is a Centenionalis coin of Constantius II, minted in Thessalonica. It's small, bronze, and pretty worn. What does this coin tell us about the emperor and his power? Curator: Well, consider who this coin was intended for. The Centenionalis wasn't for the elite, but for everyday transactions. It’s a form of propaganda aimed at a broad public. Editor: Propaganda? Curator: Absolutely. Coins were one of the primary ways rulers could disseminate their image and message. How do you think this imagery portrays Constantius II's authority and concerns? Editor: So, it’s about visibility and controlling the narrative for the masses? That's fascinating! Curator: Precisely. It forces us to think about ancient power dynamics and how they intersect with identity and control even through these small objects.