Coin of Justinian II c. 705 - 711

Editor: This is a gold coin featuring Justinian II. It’s incredibly small, yet it feels weighty with history. What statements were the Byzantines trying to make through these coins? Curator: The image on the coin would project the emperor's power and legitimacy. Do you notice how religious symbols are incorporated with the emperor's image? Editor: Yes, I see crosses. So, the coin is making a political statement by linking Justinian to both earthly and divine authority? Curator: Precisely. Currency wasn't just for trade; it was a form of propaganda, circulated widely and carrying potent messages about the Byzantine Empire. Editor: That's fascinating. I’ll never look at a coin the same way again! Curator: Indeed, it reveals the intersection of art, power, and belief in shaping public perception.