Coin of Justinian I c. 541 - 542

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Justinian I. It's small, but it feels monumental somehow, laden with history. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: Notice how Justinian is presented. The artist is not simply creating a portrait, but enshrining an idea of leadership. His halo and the cross above the 'M' speak to divine authority, reflecting the emperor's role as God's representative on earth. Editor: So it's not just money, it's propaganda? Curator: Precisely! Symbols tap into a shared cultural understanding. This coin would have constantly reinforced Justinian's power, connecting the earthly realm with the divine. Editor: It's fascinating how much meaning they packed into something so small. Curator: Indeed. These images are not just pictures, but cultural anchors, holding a society's beliefs in place.