Coin of Valentinian II (?), Antioch 383 - 388

Curator: This is a bronze coin, likely from Antioch, depicting Valentinian II. Look at the wear on it. You can see the marks of circulation, the physical signs of its use in the late Roman Empire. Editor: It feels so weighted with history. Beyond its financial purpose, consider the message it conveys – power, imperial reach, and the face of the Emperor constantly circulating in the hands of the people. Curator: Absolutely. The materiality of the coin itself speaks to the vast network required to produce and distribute it. Where was the metal sourced? Who were the artisans involved in its creation? Editor: And how did the distribution of these coins shape the social and economic landscape? Currency normalizes an image of power, embedding imperial authority into everyday life. Curator: Indeed. I find myself reflecting on the coin's journey, from its creation to its present state, a tangible link to a complex past. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how power manifests and circulates, both then and now.