Coin of Arcadius, Cyzicus 388 - 392

Editor: This small coin of Arcadius from Cyzicus, now held at the Harvard Art Museums, feels like a tangible link to the past. What kind of symbolic weight do you think this object carried at the time? Curator: Coins are fascinating because they speak volumes beyond their monetary value. Consider the image of Arcadius himself; what does his depiction communicate about imperial power and legitimacy? Editor: It's interesting how even this small portrait can convey so much. Curator: Exactly. And beyond the Emperor's image, think about the other symbols. What beliefs or values might those have represented for the people using this coin? Editor: I never thought a coin could be such a rich source of information. Curator: It is a small window into a vast and complex culture!