Coin of Justinian I c. 541 - 542

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this ancient coin made on behalf of Justinian I. Editor: It looks incredibly weighty, both literally at almost 23 grams, and symbolically. The figure is worn, but still imposing. Curator: Yes, coins were powerful tools for leaders. Their portraits asserted authority, and inscriptions communicated claims of legitimacy. This coin would circulate, embedding imperial power in everyday transactions. Editor: The monogram on the reverse, the M, radiates significance. Byzantine art is filled with meaningful symbols, and this emblem likely held layers of political and religious power for the people. Curator: Absolutely. Currency, then as now, reflects the socio-political landscape. Who is represented, and how, speaks volumes about what that society values. Editor: It's a tangible link to a distant past, shaped by the emperor's aspirations and the beliefs of his era. Curator: Indeed, a single coin can spark our understanding of history and its impact on identities.