Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Curator: Here we have a coin attributed to Justinian I. Editor: It’s striking how worn it is, yet the imagery still feels powerful. You can tell it's seen its share of pockets and purses. Curator: Absolutely. These coins served as crucial tools for projecting imperial power, designed for wide circulation. Editor: You can almost feel the force used in striking the metal. I'm drawn to the labor that went into creating these objects and how accessible it made the image of Justinian. Curator: The portraits served as a constant reminder of his authority, and the very act of using the coin reinforced his legitimacy. Editor: It makes you consider the hands this coin passed through. Each transaction, another tiny act of legitimization. Curator: Indeed. And it speaks volumes about the enduring power of imagery and its role in shaping social and political landscapes. Editor: I agree, and the fact that it still resonates after all this time is a testament to the coin's creation.