Coin of Tiberius II c. 579 - 582

Curator: The "Coin of Tiberius II," held here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a fascinating glimpse into Byzantine history. Editor: Its weathered surface and miniature scale belie the power it once represented. There’s a starkness to it, a sense of ancient authority. Curator: The coin's imagery, including what appears to be a portrait of Tiberius II himself, speaks volumes about imperial power and propaganda. How were such images used to reinforce social hierarchies? Editor: Consider the imagery: the Emperor, wreathed and regal; the "XXX" on the reverse, a potent symbol of value and trustworthiness within the Byzantine economic system. The symbols are surprisingly raw. Curator: Absolutely, and understanding the circulation of these coins can reveal intricate details about trade routes, economic policy, and even social mobility within the Byzantine Empire. Editor: Indeed. This object encapsulates a complex history, and seeing how potent those symbols remain today speaks volumes about the enduring power of imagery.