Coin of Justinian II c. 685 - 695

Curator: This is a gold coin of Justinian II, held in the Harvard Art Museums, weighing just 1.46 grams. Editor: The first impression is tactile—I imagine the weight, the feel of it passed from hand to hand, and how such a small object could hold so much power. Curator: Precisely, the gold itself signifies the emperor’s wealth and control over resources. Think about the mining, the refining, the labor involved. Editor: And beyond that, the image of Justinian II reinforces his authority and divine right, especially during a period of social and political turbulence. Curator: True, the imagery connects him to religious power as well as earthly dominance. Editor: Considering the coin’s journey through time and the hands it has passed through offers a tangible link to a complex historical narrative. Curator: Yes, a lasting, crafted artifact representing a period of significant change. Editor: It's a potent reminder of the intersection between individual power, material wealth, and the broader social forces at play.