Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 582 - 583

This coin, now at Harvard, was made during the reign of Maurice Tiberius. The worn copper speaks volumes about its journey through time. Its creation likely involved a process of die-striking, an ancient technique where a design is hammered onto a metal blank. The very substance of this coin—its weight, color, and form—reflect the Roman Empire's economic and political landscape. Consider the labor involved in extracting and refining the copper, as well as the artistry required to carve the dies. The image on the coin, though faded, would have been intentionally designed to convey authority and legitimacy. Coins like this one enabled commerce, facilitated tax collection, and generally kept the Roman Empire in motion. Looking closely at this unassuming object reminds us that even the smallest artifact can embody significant histories of material, making, and context.