Coin of Justinian I c. 538 - 539

Curator: Look at this fascinating object—a coin of Justinian I, a ruler whose reign significantly shaped the Byzantine Empire. Editor: The patina is striking; the dull browns and greens speak of age and countless transactions. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were more than mere currency; they were tools of propaganda, circulating images of the emperor and reinforcing his authority. Editor: On one side, we see a portrait of Justinian; on the other, what appears to be a large "M"—perhaps a denomination? Curator: Indeed. The "M" signifies 40 nummi, a denomination introduced during Justinian's monetary reforms that impacted gendered labor practices of the time. Editor: To think that such a small object could carry so much weight—both literally and figuratively. Curator: Yes, it’s a tangible link to a complex historical narrative. Editor: It's a testament to the power of objects to encapsulate entire worlds.