Pentanummium of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Editor: This is a Pentanummium of Justin I from Constantinople. The material and the wear on the coin give it a sense of history. What can you tell me about it from an art perspective? Curator: The bilateral symmetry is striking. Note the correspondence of the Imperial figure on one side to the stylized monogram on the other. This creates a visual echo, reinforcing the Emperor's authority. Editor: That’s a fascinating way to look at it. I hadn’t considered the symmetry before. Curator: Indeed, even the degradation seems balanced! Editor: That's an interesting point about the balanced degradation. Thanks for pointing out the visual and structural balance.