Coin of Constantine VII, Constantinople c. 945

Editor: Here we have a gold coin of Constantine VII from Constantinople. The bright yellow gleam is very striking, and I'm curious about its artistic qualities. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The coin, beyond its metallic value, presents a fascinating study in relief and iconographic representation. Note the two distinct faces: Christ and Constantine himself. Editor: Yes, they are quite different in texture and detail. Curator: Precisely. The manipulation of the gold, the incised lines, the halos—all contribute to a complex interplay of power and divinity. Observe how these images are not mere portraits, but rather symbols laden with meaning. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I never really considered it that way. Curator: By analysing the formal elements, we can begin to decode the ideology embedded within this small, yet significant object. Editor: Thank you. Now I have a new perspective on how to look at historical coins.