City Commemorative Coin, Nicomedia 330 - 335

Editor: This is a City Commemorative Coin from Nicomedia, made by Constantine I. It's pretty small, and it's interesting how worn it looks. What story does this coin tell us? Curator: Coins like these were tools for political messaging. Constantine I used them to celebrate cities loyal to him, like Nicomedia, fostering a sense of unity and projecting power. The coin's condition speaks to its circulation, a tangible link to daily life. Editor: So, it’s like a propaganda tool? Curator: Precisely! These coins remind us that even everyday objects can serve as powerful instruments of political and social control. It's fascinating to see how rulers used art to shape public perception. Editor: That's a different way to look at a coin. Thanks!