Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 596 - 597

This bronze coin was commissioned by Maurice Tiberius, who ruled the Byzantine Empire from 582 to 602 AD. Note the effigy of the emperor on one side, and the large ‘M’ on the other, indicating its value of 40 nummi. The coin's production involved several steps, from mining and smelting the metal, to die-cutting and striking. This would have occurred on an industrial scale, employing many workers. The coin is a testament to the vast reach and authority of the Byzantine state. A reminder that even seemingly humble objects can tell us a great deal about the social, political and economic conditions of their time. So next time you encounter an object like this, remember to consider the full story of its making and use, challenging any preconceived notions about art and craft.