Coin (AE2) of Decentius, Arles 351 - 353

Curator: Before us is a coin, specifically an AE2 of Decentius, emanating from Arles. Editor: It appears quite weathered, evoking a sense of resilience against time’s passage. Curator: Indeed. Note the incised portrait. It’s a study in late Roman imperial iconography. The reverse side depicts two figures, possibly personifications of military virtues, flanking a standard. Editor: I'm struck by what this represents: power concentrated in the hands of a few, commodified, and then disseminated amongst the population. Curator: Precisely. The choice of bronze for this AE2 coin subtly underscores the economic shifts within the late Roman Empire itself. Editor: It is a poignant reminder that even the most powerful empires eventually crumble, their symbols fading into the earth. Curator: Reflecting, perhaps, on the materiality and symbolism allows us to consider narratives of control and transformation throughout history. Editor: It pushes us to consider the enduring questions of power, representation, and the cyclical nature of history.