Solidus of Gratian, Constantinopolis 367 - 375

Editor: This is a golden Solidus of Gratian from Constantinopolis, currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. It's so small, yet the imagery feels incredibly powerful. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin is a potent symbol. The emperor's image, haloed warrior, the inscriptions—they're all carefully chosen to project authority and divine favor. Consider how the weight of the symbolism is embedded in something so small and portable. Editor: That's fascinating, especially the idea of portable power. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these weren't just currency; they were propaganda, cultural memory encapsulated in metal. Imagine how it felt to hold that kind of power in your hand. Editor: I never thought of it that way. It gives a whole new perspective on history. Curator: Exactly! Symbols shape our understanding, and this coin is a perfect example of that enduring influence.