Coin of Justin II c. 572 - 573

Curator: Up next, we have a glimpse into the past: a coin crafted under the reign of Justin II, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Wow, you know, seeing this, I'm immediately struck by its worn texture. It feels like holding history itself, you know? Curator: Absolutely. The coin's materiality speaks volumes. The copper’s patination, the slight imperfections...these are all testaments to its journey through time. Editor: And the imagery? There’s something so intimate in its depiction. Is that Justin II and his wife? Curator: Precisely, with the cross above, signifying their divine right to rule. The depiction on the other side features a large "M", likely representing the coin's value. Editor: It's beautiful how such a small object could carry so much meaning, power, and even a sense of humanity across the ages. Curator: Indeed. It allows us to connect with the lives and beliefs of those who lived centuries ago, reminding us of our shared history.