Coin (AE4) of Constantius II, Antioch c. 4th century

Editor: Here we have a coin, specifically an AE4 of Constantius II from Antioch. The artist is Constantius II himself, though I assume he had help! It's easy to see the wear and tear which gives it a weighty presence. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: The coin exemplifies the interplay of form and function. Note the circular composition, bisected by the incised portrait and imperial iconography. How does the degradation of the metal affect your reading of the image? Editor: It obscures some details, but also emphasizes the passage of time and the coin's journey through history. Curator: Precisely. The wear introduces an element of chance, disrupting the intended design. This challenges our perception of the original artistic intent, don't you agree? Editor: Yes, absolutely. I hadn't considered how the wear becomes part of the piece's visual language. Curator: Indeed, a beautiful demonstration of wabi-sabi.