Pentanummium of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Curator: Here we have a Pentanummium of Justin I from Constantinople. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how worn it is, yet the details still emerge—the profile on one side, the Christian symbol on the other. Curator: Indeed. This small bronze coin offers a fascinating window into the reign of Justin I and the socio-political landscape of the Byzantine Empire. Coins were essential for royal display. Editor: Absolutely, and the design itself—the crisp lines of the Chi-Rho—speak volumes about the burgeoning influence of Christianity at that time. Curator: The production of coinage with overtly Christian symbols demonstrates its power. These images helped reinforce authority. Editor: It’s remarkable how such a tiny object carries such symbolic weight. It’s also amazing how the circular shape of the coin contains these powerful symbols. Curator: A vital clue into how power was wielded and communicated in Byzantium. Editor: A well-used object that has clearly stood the test of time.