Coin of Justin II c. 567 - 568

Curator: What a find! This is a coin of Justin II. Its worn surface speaks volumes about its journey through time. Editor: I'm immediately drawn to the figures depicted. The coin seems to suggest authority and perhaps divine right, with its symbolic imagery of rulers. Curator: Indeed. The coin, weighing 15.36 grams, probably served not just as currency but also as propaganda. Imagine the labor involved in die-cutting and striking these images onto metal blanks. Editor: And the "M," topped with a cross! Clearly, it's not just about wealth but also faith. These symbols offer glimpses into the Byzantine worldview. Curator: Absolutely. It's a material object deeply embedded in the economic and social structures of its time. The wear and tear are evidence of its circulation, its use, its place in countless transactions. Editor: It's a fascinating glimpse into how symbols of power and belief were disseminated through everyday objects. It makes you wonder about the untold stories it holds. Curator: A potent reminder that even the smallest artifacts can reveal vast narratives about production, consumption, and belief. Editor: Precisely, a coin not just of the realm, but of the symbolic order.