Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Curator: This coin, minted under Justinian I, is a fascinating object. Editor: It's really striking. The copper has a beautiful, warm patina, and the details, though worn, suggest quality workmanship. Curator: Absolutely. As coinage, it was a key tool of imperial administration, circulating not just as money but also as propaganda. Consider how Justinian’s image, even at this scale, projects authority. Editor: I'm thinking about the labor involved—the mining, smelting, and striking. Each coin passed through so many hands, from the artisan to the merchant. Curator: And that distribution helped disseminate Justinian's power. It’s a potent example of how the state uses imagery to assert control. Editor: It's amazing how much social and economic history is embedded in this little piece of metal. Curator: Exactly, the coin speaks volumes, from imperial policy to the everyday lives of its users.