Heavy Miliarense of Zeno,Thessalonike 476 - 491

Editor: This is a silver coin, a Heavy Miliarense of Zeno, minted in Thessalonike. It's so small, but holding it, you feel a real connection to the past. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Coins like this offer a fascinating insight into the political imagery of the late Roman Empire. Consider how Zeno, a somewhat controversial emperor, used coinage to project power and legitimacy. Editor: So, it's not just about money? Curator: Exactly! Think about where these coins circulated. They were a form of propaganda, shaping public perception of the emperor, especially in important cities like Thessalonike. Who was seeing this coin and what messages were they receiving? Editor: That's really interesting. I never thought about coins as being political statements. Curator: They absolutely were. Even the choice of imagery and inscription tells a story about how Zeno wanted to be seen and remembered. Editor: I’ll never look at a coin the same way again!