Coin of Justinian I c. 527 - 562

Curator: Here we have a coin of Justinian I, residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as having a stoic feel; it is something about the weight of history etched into it. Editor: And materially speaking, we see that this coin, weighing 6.73 grams, speaks volumes about resource control and power. Curator: Absolutely. One side features Justinian's profile, a statement of imperial authority rendered through labor. Editor: It's more than just metal. The coin is a very tangible artifact reflecting the means of production, distribution, and consumption within the Byzantine Empire. It connects to the sweat and toil of ordinary workers. Curator: It even makes me think about what stories this little thing could tell, all the hands it must have passed through! Editor: A fascinating glimpse into the convergence of political power and material culture, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Indeed. This coin is a little portal into an ancient empire.