Coin of Arcadius, Cyzicus 388 - 392

Editor: This is a coin of Arcadius, Cyzicus. It’s a tiny thing, yet it feels weighty with age. What stories do you see embedded within its worn surfaces? Curator: The imagery speaks to continuity and power. The figure on one side, likely Arcadius himself, connects the ruling emperor to ideals of leadership. The other side reveals Victory, promising a narrative of perpetual success. Editor: So, the coin isn't just currency, but a carefully crafted message? Curator: Exactly. The act of holding it becomes an act of holding the empire's aspirations. What does that evoke for you? Editor: It makes me think about how we create symbols today, what we choose to immortalize, and how future generations might interpret them. Curator: Indeed. The coin serves as a mirror reflecting our own cultural preoccupations across time.