Coin of Constans II c. 661 - 663

Curator: This is a gold coin of Constans II, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Its production speaks to the economic systems of the time. Editor: It’s amazing how much detail they could achieve on such a small, utilitarian object. It feels incredibly weighty, not just physically at 4.5 grams, but historically. Curator: Exactly. Consider the minting process, the specific alloys used, and the labor involved in producing these coins. The materials and methods are key to understanding its value. Editor: And it circulated widely! It wasn't just about personal wealth. This coin funded wars, paid soldiers, and influenced trade agreements. Its imagery held political and religious significance. Curator: The imagery reinforces these powers. The coin served as a vehicle for communicating authority and solidifying societal structures through its depiction. Editor: Studying this coin brings us closer to understanding the lives of those who handled it and reminds us that even the smallest object can carry enormous historical weight. Curator: Absolutely, it speaks to the intimate relationship between material culture and social power.