Solidus of Honorius, Constantinople c. 395 - 402

Editor: This is a Solidus of Honorius from Constantinople. It’s pure gold, and depicts Honorius. What can you tell me about it? Curator: We must consider the social context of precious metal production. The labor to extract and refine gold was immense, and this coin represents concentrated wealth and power. How does its materiality inform our understanding of the late Roman empire? Editor: So, it’s less about Honorius and more about the system that allowed this to be made? Curator: Precisely. The coin's inherent value and the control over its production reflect the economic and social structures of the time. Do you think this piece challenges our traditional understanding of art? Editor: It does when you consider the labor! I never thought about a coin in those terms. Curator: Then we have achieved our goal!