Coin (AE4) of Arcadius, Antioch (ANT3)) 383 - 392

Curator: Let's discuss this ancient coin, specifically, an AE4 of Arcadius, minted in Antioch. Editor: The patinated surface immediately strikes me; the verdigris whispers of age and the subtle play of light upon the corroded metal. Curator: Indeed. The coin provides invaluable insight into the social and economic structures of the late Roman Empire, reflecting Antioch's role as a prominent center of trade and governance. Editor: Focusing on form, the incised portrait, though worn, still suggests the artistic conventions of the time. The figure possesses a certain gravitas, even in miniature. Curator: These coins served as a crucial form of mass communication. Consider their function: circulating representations of imperial power and authority among the masses. Editor: It is true; they were clearly objects with multiple purposes. Considering the formal elements alongside its historical use enriches our perception of this small, yet significant, artifact.