Coin of Maurice Tiberius, Alexandria 582 - 602

This is a coin of Maurice Tiberius, made in Alexandria. Coins like this one offer a glimpse into the intertwined nature of power, identity, and representation. As a Byzantine Emperor from 582 to 602 AD, Maurice Tiberius's image on this coin would have been one way of broadcasting his authority. But what does it mean to have one's likeness rendered, reproduced, and circulated amongst the population? The coin embodies not just political authority, but also raises questions about visibility, recognition, and the construction of leadership. These coins acted as small but potent vehicles of cultural and political messaging. Who was able to access or possess such an object, and how did its imagery influence perceptions of power and identity within the Byzantine Empire? In this way, the coin transcends its monetary value, turning into a symbolic artifact that echoes questions of identity, power, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of history.