Coin of Justinian I c. 541 - 542

Curator: At first glance, the coin evokes a sense of profound antiquity, a relic worn smooth by the passage of countless hands. Editor: Indeed. What we have here is a coin of Justinian I, held in the Harvard Art Museums. Although undated, these coins were a vital tool for his administration. Curator: The symbolic weight is palpable. Even in this state of wear, the emperor’s image and the cross he bears are clear emblems of power and faith. The drilled hole speaks to its life beyond currency, perhaps as a personal talisman. Editor: Absolutely. These coins were more than just currency; they projected the emperor's image and legitimacy throughout his vast empire. The use of his portrait links directly to imperial power. Curator: The green patina adds to its mystique, a testament to its journey through time and the chemical embrace of the earth. This humble object resonates with echoes of an empire long past. Editor: It's incredible to consider how something so small circulated within the grand narrative of Byzantine history. It reminds us that art serves many roles, from propaganda to personal adornment.