City Commemorative Issue, Lugdunum 330 - 331

Editor: So, this is the City Commemorative Issue, Lugdunum, a coin by Constantine I. It's incredible how much history is packed into such a small object, but it's hard to decipher what it means. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: Coins like this were essentially propaganda. They circulated images and messages throughout the Roman Empire. Constantine's image would have been instantly recognizable. The depiction of Lugdunum would have reinforced its importance as a Roman city. How do you think these images served the emperor's purposes? Editor: I guess it’s a way to connect with the people, to show power and to create a sense of unity. It's fascinating to see how art played a political role even back then. Curator: Exactly. And remember, even the act of collecting and displaying such objects in museums today is a continuation of that political and cultural narrative. Editor: That really gives me a new perspective. Thanks!