Coin of Justinian I c. 542 - 543

Curator: We're looking at a coin, attributed to Justinian I, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Its materiality speaks to its history. Editor: It’s weathered, almost ghostly. The circular form contains fragmented text and figures, demanding close inspection. Curator: Indeed. Coinage served as a powerful tool for disseminating imperial imagery and asserting Byzantine authority. These weren't just monetary objects. Editor: Absolutely. The weight and density suggest an object meant to last, to carry its message across time— despite its current state of decay. Curator: And the images themselves are potent symbols of power. Justinian's presence on coinage reinforced his divine right to rule and projected an image of stability. Editor: Despite the erosion, the composition remains legible. The arrangement of the 'M' and the surrounding text create a balanced, almost architectural effect. Curator: It really underscores how art, even in the most utilitarian forms, reflects broader socio-political concerns and ideologies. Editor: It's a small object, yet it speaks volumes about permanence and the transience of power.