Coin of Justinian I c. 527 - 565

Editor: This is a coin of Justinian I, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Even worn with age, it feels weighty and powerful, like a tangible piece of history. What stories do you think it whispers, Curator? Curator: Oh, it's practically shouting them! Imagine the hands this little bronze disc has passed through – merchants, soldiers, emperors even. The coin itself is a statement; Justinian, ever the self-promoter, literally stamping his authority on the flow of commerce. Editor: So, it's more than just currency? Curator: Absolutely! It's propaganda, a work of art, and a tiny window into the Byzantine world all rolled into one. I wonder what Justinian would make of our little chat about his coin? Editor: I guess we can only imagine! It makes you think how objects outlive us all.