Coin of Justinian I c. 538 - 545

Editor: Here we have a gold coin minted under Justinian I. It's so small and worn, but still, I'm curious about its purpose. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a concentrated expression of imperial power through material means. Consider the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking this gold. How does its circulation reinforce social hierarchies and trade networks? Editor: So, it's less about the image on the coin and more about what it represents in society? Curator: Precisely! The coin embodies the empire's control over resources and its ability to project influence through trade and taxation. It's a tool of material culture, shaping economic and social realities. Editor: I never thought about a coin carrying so much significance beyond its monetary value. Thanks for sharing a fresh perspective! Curator: Indeed, understanding the materiality allows us to appreciate the coin as a product of historical processes.