Coin (AE4) of Constantine I, Siscia 335 - 336

Editor: This is a bronze coin, an AE4 of Constantine I from Siscia. It's amazing how much wear and tear it has endured. I'm curious, what does its materiality tell us about its historical context? Curator: This coin, a small denomination, speaks volumes about production and access. The copper alloy, the labor involved in mining, smelting, and striking – all reflect the Roman Empire's economic and social systems. How might the coin's devaluation have impacted the daily lives of ordinary people? Editor: It’s interesting to consider how even something this small embodies the bigger picture of the Empire’s economy. Curator: Indeed. By examining the material reality of objects like this coin, we gain a more grounded understanding of the past.