Pentanummium of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Curator: Here we have the Pentanummium of Justin I, a coin originating from Constantinople. Editor: It's so small! And yet, I feel a sense of weight, like holding a tiny piece of history. Curator: Indeed. The obverse presents the bust of Justin I, while the reverse displays the Christogram, a symbolic representation of Christ. Editor: The patina of age gives it such texture; it almost vibrates with stories of its journey through time. Curator: The symbolic weight is undeniable, representing both imperial power and religious belief in late antiquity. Editor: It's a paradox, isn't it? Such a humble object imbued with immense authority, whispering tales of empires long gone. Curator: It invites us to contemplate the interplay of power, faith, and the enduring power of visual symbols. Editor: Yes, absolutely. It's a powerful reminder that even the smallest artifacts can hold the grandest narratives.