Coin of Justinian I c. 544 - 545

Editor: This is a coin of Justinian I, made of some sort of metal. It looks quite worn, but it's interesting how the details have survived. What are your observations about it? Curator: Notice the careful rendering of Justinian's portrait. The linear precision in the inscription and the deliberate placement of symbols create a formal aesthetic. The physical degradation, too, contributes a layer of meaning. Editor: So, it's not just about the image, but the condition of the coin itself? Curator: Precisely. The interplay of intentional design and accidental alteration is critical to its visual impact. It's a conversation between creation and entropy. Editor: I see what you mean. It’s like the coin embodies both power and the passage of time. Curator: Indeed. A fascinating synthesis of form and materiality.