Coin of Justin II c. 565 - 578

Editor: Here we have a coin of Justin II, whose dates are unknown, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like it's made of bronze. What strikes me is how worn it is; it makes me wonder about its history. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a tangible representation of power and economic activity, fundamentally linked to the extraction and manipulation of earth’s resources. How was the metal sourced, minted, and distributed? The coin’s very circulation tells a story of production and consumption. Editor: So you're focusing less on Justin II himself, and more on the coin as a material object? Curator: Precisely. The coin’s material transformation reflects the broader historical forces at play in its creation and use, challenging the traditional view of art as solely an expression of individual genius. Editor: I never thought about it that way before, it's interesting to consider its broader context. Curator: Indeed, it’s a reminder that even the smallest object can reveal complex social and economic networks.