Coin of Justin II c. 568 - 569

Editor: This is a coin of Justin II, a small bronze piece. Its worn state evokes a sense of history. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin, though small, speaks volumes about power, identity, and legitimacy in the Byzantine Empire. Consider how Justin II used coinage to project his authority through potent religious imagery, subtly reinforcing his divine right to rule in a world of complex political maneuvering. Editor: That's fascinating! So, it's not just money, it's propaganda? Curator: Exactly! These coins circulated widely, constantly reminding people of the emperor's power and the empire's supposed divine favor. What does that say about the power dynamics of the time? Editor: It's a powerful reminder that even everyday objects can be deeply political. Curator: Indeed, it demonstrates how art and power are always intertwined.