Coin (AE4) of Constantius II, Nicomedia 347 - 348

Editor: This is a coin, specifically an AE4 of Constantius II from Nicomedia. It's small, and a bit worn. I'm curious, how do you see this coin functioning within the broader context of the Roman Empire? Curator: Consider the proliferation of these coins. They weren't just currency, but powerful tools of imperial propaganda. How does the image of Constantius II, repeated on countless coins, shape public perception of his rule and legitimize his authority? Editor: So, the coin isn't just money, it's also a political statement? Curator: Precisely. The mint in Nicomedia was crucial. What does its location suggest about the emperor's priorities and the distribution of power within the empire? Editor: I guess it highlights the East's significance during his reign. I never thought about coins as having such political weight! Curator: It makes you think differently about museums and how objects take on new meaning over time, doesn't it?