Coin (AE2) of Constantius II, Alexandria 351 - 355

Editor: Here we have a coin featuring Constantius II, ruler of the Roman Empire, a bit battered by time. It's lovely, though, in a way. What stories do you think this little disc could tell us? Curator: Oh, if only coins could talk! This particular coin offers a fascinating snapshot into the late Roman Empire. Notice the reverse: a Roman soldier spearing a fallen foe. It's a clear message of military strength. Editor: It seems a bit… brutal, doesn’t it? Curator: Power wasn't always pretty. But coins like these were crucial tools for imperial propaganda, circulating images of authority and might throughout the vast empire. It makes you wonder how far this one traveled, doesn’t it? Editor: Definitely! It makes me consider the coin's life after its creation. Curator: Exactly! Each scratch, each imperfection whispers tales of commerce, conflict, and the slow march of time. Coins connect us to the past in a tangible way.