Follis of Justin II, Antioch on the Orontes 572 - 573

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Justin II from Antioch, a coin. It looks worn, but the imagery is still striking. I'm curious, what narratives do you see embedded in this object? Curator: Well, consider its function. Currency isn't just about economics; it's a powerful tool for disseminating ideology. This coin, likely minted during a period of social upheaval, projects imperial power and divine legitimacy. Notice the cross, the figures... What statements are being made about authority and belief? Editor: So it's not just a coin, it's propaganda? I never thought of it that way. Curator: Exactly! Power is always negotiated, and even something as small as a coin can be a site of that struggle. What do you think this tells us about the society it was circulating in? Editor: It makes you wonder about the messages we circulate today, consciously or not. Thanks for pointing that out!