Coin (AE4) of Honorius c. 4th century

Curator: This coin, an AE4 of Honorius, offers a glimpse into the late Roman Empire. Editor: It feels almost ghostly, this tiny copper disc. The patina whispers stories of emperors and forgotten coffers. Curator: Observe the composition. On one side, the idealized bust of Honorius, and on the other, a figure on horseback, symbols of power and imperial authority rendered in miniature. Editor: The corrosion softens the edges, making it feel less like a boast of empire and more like a meditation on impermanence, like a memento mori tucked away in a pocket. Curator: Precisely. The coin functions as both propaganda and a tangible piece of history. Editor: It’s funny how something meant to convey strength now evokes a feeling of fragility, a reminder of how empires crumble and turn to dust. Curator: A fitting reflection on the vicissitudes of power, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. There's beauty even in decay.