Half Follis of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Curator: This fascinating artifact is a Half Follis of Justin I, created in Constantinople. Editor: It looks incredibly worn! The patina speaks volumes about its age and journey. Curator: Exactly! Coins like these were crucial for legitimizing the emperor's power through widespread circulation and visual representation. What does it say about the control of imagery? Editor: Well, the image of Justin I on this coin, even in its deteriorated state, projects an image of power sanctioned by divine authority, reflecting gendered ideals of leadership and the religious underpinnings of the state. Curator: We see how such artifacts were not merely currency, but also tools for disseminating political ideology, deeply intertwined with class and authority. They remind us of the power dynamics embedded in everyday objects. Editor: Indeed. It's remarkable to consider the ripple effects of such a small object on the broader societal landscape.