Siliqua of Theodosius II, Constantinople c. 440 - 450

Editor: This is a Siliqua of Theodosius II from Constantinople. It's a very small coin, and seeing it, I immediately think about how it connects us to this powerful historical figure across such a huge span of time. What can we learn from it? Curator: This small coin speaks volumes about power, representation, and economic control in the late Roman Empire. Consider Theodosius II's image: what does it project about his authority, and how might that image have been received by diverse populations within the empire, especially marginalized groups? What does it mean to have a portrait of power on something so readily distributed? Editor: That's a really interesting point - thinking about how the image on currency might affect different social groups. I hadn't considered that. Curator: These coins were tools, not just for trade, but for projecting a certain image of power throughout the empire. What does that say about the function of art and portraiture? Editor: So much to consider in something so small! Thanks for reframing the way I think about coins.