Solidus of Justinian II, First Reign c. 692 - 695

Editor: Here we have a fascinating gold coin, the Solidus of Justinian II, First Reign, found at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s really small, but the detail is incredible. I’m curious, what strikes you about this piece? Curator: As a materialist, I see this coin as a product of labor, indicative of the Byzantine Empire's vast resources and skilled craftsmanship. Consider the social context, how the minting process and the gold itself underpin economic and political power. It transcends simple currency, embodying imperial authority through its materiality. Does the imagery support this? Editor: Absolutely! The images of Christ and Justinian himself link divine and earthly power, reinforcing the coin's symbolic value beyond its monetary worth. It’s amazing to think about all that labor and value contained in such a small object. Curator: Precisely! By examining the material processes and societal implications, we can truly grasp the coin's significance.