Coin of Justinian I c. 6th century

Curator: This object is a coin from the reign of Justinian I, a significant figure in Byzantine history whose rule shaped the political and religious landscape of the era. Editor: It feels so weighty, literally and figuratively. Look at the formality of the portrait, it's stiff, imposing. The coin itself is quite worn, but still evokes a sense of lasting power. Curator: Precisely. This coin functioned as both currency and propaganda, circulating the emperor’s image and solidifying his authority across the empire. Note the deliberate iconography designed to project divine sanction and imperial might. Editor: The depiction of Justinian holding a cross, surrounded by inscriptions... these weren't just images, they were potent symbols for the largely illiterate population, conveying a message of strength and righteousness. Curator: And control. Coinage was essential for taxation and trade, providing Justinian the means to fund his ambitious building projects and military campaigns, reshaping the empire's infrastructure and legal code. Editor: Seeing the visual language of power so directly, gives a unique insight into the mind of the ruler and the relationship with the ruled at that time. Curator: Indeed. This coin serves as a small but powerful artifact, revealing the intersection of economics, politics, and imperial ambition in the Byzantine world.