Coin of Justinian I c. 529 - 533

Curator: This is a Byzantine coin, a copper nummus of Justinian I, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at it, what's your first impression? Editor: It looks like a whisper from a time so distant, almost a phantom touch. I can feel the weight of centuries, the patina speaking of lives lived and empires crumbled. Curator: Absolutely. Each detail on this coin — the emperor's portrait, the inscriptions — carries the weight of Justinian's reign and the sociopolitical context of the Byzantine Empire. Consider his ambitious legal reforms and military expansion. Editor: I love the contrast! Here's a powerful ruler, stamping his image on something so small, so easily lost. It's like yelling into the void, hoping to be remembered. Curator: Indeed. And examining the coin's circulation patterns can reveal trade routes, economic policies, and the reach of imperial power. It's a material witness to history. Editor: Seeing this tiny object, worn smooth by countless hands, makes me feel connected. It's more than just money; it’s a symbol of power, belief, and human connection across time. Curator: Precisely. Coins like these offer a tangible link to understanding Byzantine society and its lasting legacy. Editor: It definitely puts everything into perspective. Thanks!