Solidus of Arcadius, Constantinople 397 - 403

Curator: This is a solidus of Arcadius, minted in Constantinople. The weight of 4.42 grams indicates its intrinsic material value was tied to its economic and political significance. Editor: The coin’s surface has a warm, radiant golden hue, and the low relief carvings create a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. Curator: Precisely. The production of these coins involved a complex network of labor and access to resources, reflecting the power of the Byzantine state. Editor: Notice the precise detailing of the emperor's portrait and seated figure. These design choices convey authority, yet they are also small and intimate. Curator: Indeed. The coin served as a vehicle for disseminating propaganda and reinforcing imperial authority throughout the far reaches of the empire, influencing belief through trade. Editor: I find it fascinating how this single object encapsulates the formal qualities of power and wealth. Curator: And consider the skilled labor involved in its manufacture and distribution, impacting the lives of countless individuals within the Byzantine economy. Editor: It's amazing to consider how this small coin embodies such potent symbolism.