Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 594 - 595

This is a coin, 11.99 grams in weight, made by Maurice Tiberius, now housed at Harvard. Tiberius reigned as Byzantine Emperor from 582 to 602, a period marked by significant military and administrative challenges. The coin is not just a piece of currency; it's a statement of imperial power and identity. It reflects the emperor's efforts to stabilize his reign amidst external threats and internal strife. During his time the Byzantine Empire was a society structured by hierarchies of power, faith, and military strength. Coins like this were part of how that power was communicated. By studying an artifact like this coin, we gain insight into the ways that leaders throughout time have used symbolic representation to shape their legacy and exert influence.