Coin of Arcadius, Cyzicus c. 392 - 395

Editor: Here we have a coin of Arcadius from Cyzicus. It's a small, weighty thing, clearly worn with age. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Think about what this coin *is*. It's not just an image, it's a form of currency, shaped by metalworkers, distributed through complex trade networks, and directly tied to the political power of Arcadius. Editor: That’s a different way to consider it. So, is the value in the metal itself, or in what it represents? Curator: Both! The material carries inherent value, but the stamped imagery multiplies its worth by connecting it to imperial authority. This object reveals the economic and social structures of its time. Editor: I never thought about a coin holding so much information! Curator: Exactly. By examining the materials and how they were used, we can uncover the historical forces at play.