Pentanummium of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Curator: Here we have a Pentanummium coin issued during the reign of Justin I in Constantinople. Editor: It's so small, and worn smooth—it’s easy to imagine the countless hands it passed through. Curator: Exactly! Think about the social context: this coin represents not just currency, but power. Justin I, from humble origins, rose through the ranks of the military to become emperor. Editor: And the bronze itself speaks to a specific economic system, doesn't it? This wasn't made of precious metals like gold, but a cheaper alloy, reflecting its value and usage within the broader population. Curator: It is incredible to consider the weight of that history, and the social implications inherent in who has access to it, and who can wield power over it. Editor: Yes. Thinking about those who mined and smelted the metal, to the officials who stamped the coin, to the everyday transactions it enabled... material history comes alive. Curator: Absolutely. This coin serves as a tangible link to understanding power, identity, and economy during a pivotal period in history. Editor: Indeed. A tiny object, yet so resonant with human stories.