Pentanummium of Justinian I, Constantinople 538 - 542

Curator: Here we have a Pentanummium of Justinian I from Constantinople. It's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The coin is quite small but visually arresting. The surface shows significant patination. The degradation really speaks to its age. Curator: Indeed. Minted during the reign of Justinian, this bronze coin served as a low denomination currency within the Byzantine Empire. Think about the hands it passed through! Editor: Absolutely. The very act of production and circulation is itself a fascinating insight into the economics of the period. How the state controlled minting is fascinating. Curator: These small objects offer a tangible connection to the daily lives and economic structures of a civilization long past. Editor: Seeing the coin’s worn texture highlights the inherent link between material culture and societal systems. Curator: Yes, considering this Pentanummium, we gain a granular view of the political and economic conditions of Justinian's reign. Editor: And for me, it highlights the value we place on artifacts as historical documents.