Coin of Justinian I c. 541 - 542

Editor: Here we have a coin minted during the reign of Justinian I, held in the Harvard Art Museums. It's a hefty little thing, made of bronze, and immediately makes me think about the weight of history. What stories do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: Oh, absolutely. This isn’t just currency; it’s a tangible link to an empire. Look closely – can you see the details of Justinian’s portrait, the subtle authority in his gaze? Imagine the hands this coin passed through, the daily transactions, the lives it touched. It’s a whisper from the past, isn't it? Editor: It really is. I never thought of a coin holding so much narrative! Curator: Exactly! Art isn't just paintings on walls; it’s the echoes of human experience resonating through objects.