Coin of Justin II c. 572 - 573

Curator: This is a coin of Justin II, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Weighing in at 14.65 grams, it presents a somber, almost haunting visual. Editor: The patinated bronze evokes a deep sense of history. The textures create a compelling study in decay and endurance. Curator: Indeed. The coin's design features Justin II enthroned with Empress Sophia, reflecting imperial power and legitimacy through Byzantine iconography. Editor: But who did this power serve? This coin represents a complex web of social stratification and wealth disparity in the Byzantine Empire. Who labored so that Justin could mint his bronze? Curator: A valid point. Yet, the formal composition, the arrangement of figures, and the abstract symbolism present a fascinating study in classical art. Editor: I see it more as a window into understanding issues of class and labor, even today. Curator: Perhaps both viewpoints illuminate the coin's significance. Editor: Exactly. It is a potent reminder that art objects hold multiple layers of meaning.