Coin of Justinian I c. 555 - 556

Editor: Here we have a coin, "Coin of Justinian I," from the Harvard Art Museums. Given its age, it seems fragile and worn. What narratives do you see embedded in this object? Curator: This coin embodies power and religious authority. Justinian I used coinage to project his image and Christian ideology across the Byzantine Empire. Consider how this simple object functioned as propaganda. Editor: Propaganda through currency. That's interesting. So, seeing Justinian's face every time someone made a purchase reinforced his power. Curator: Exactly. And the symbols, likely religious, reinforced the merging of church and state, further legitimizing his rule. How does this connection between art and power resonate today? Editor: It shows how art always serves a purpose. I'll never look at money the same way again! Curator: Indeed! Questioning these objects and their purpose is key.