Coin of Constans II c. 659 - 660

Curator: This is a coin issued during the reign of Constans II, part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small, but potent object. Editor: It feels quite worn, but still manages to convey power. There's a certain resilience that comes through, despite the patination. Curator: The coin's material, likely bronze, speaks to its intended purpose—mass production for trade and administrative function. Think about the labor involved in minting thousands of these! Editor: And its imagery offers insights into the ruling ideology and the role of the Emperor. Who is represented on the obverse and reverse, and what did those images mean to the people who used this currency? Curator: Exactly! The act of creating and circulating this coin reinforced existing power structures. Editor: Considering the context, this coin isn't just a piece of metal. It embodies complex social relationships and power dynamics within the Byzantine empire. Curator: Indeed, this small coin carries a weight of history and material significance. Editor: Examining it encourages a deeper understanding of the people and systems that brought it into existence.