Coin of Justinian II c. 686 - 687

Editor: This is a gold coin of Justinian II. It's quite small, yet the details are striking. I am curious, what can you tell me about this coin? Curator: Well, consider the material: gold. Its inherent value speaks to trade, power, and social structures. The coin's production involved skilled labor and access to resources, reflecting Byzantine economic systems. How does the imagery function within this material context? Editor: It signifies political and religious authority. So you're saying the coin's material is directly linked to how it was used to establish social standing? Curator: Precisely! Its value isn’t just monetary. It’s tied to the act of creation and distribution, reinforcing existing hierarchies. Editor: That's a fascinating perspective! I hadn't considered the labor and systems involved in making it.