Solidus of Justin II c. 565 - 578

Curator: Ah, the Solidus of Justin II. I find myself immediately drawn to its tactile quality, a golden echo from the Byzantine era. Editor: It feels weighty somehow, even just looking at it. Like holding a tiny sun, embossed with power. Curator: The imagery, of course, speaks volumes. The emperor's face, rigid in its authority, juxtaposed with the enthroned figure of Constantinople. Editor: I wonder what everyday life felt like back then, knowing this gold was in circulation, changing hands like tiny prayers. Curator: Coins like this were not merely currency; they were potent symbols. Justin II, through this image, aimed to project stability and divine favor. Editor: It’s like a miniature propaganda machine! I can almost hear the ring of it hitting the counter, a constant reminder of the ruler's reach. Curator: Indeed. And to think, each detail—the crown, the scepter—carefully chosen to resonate with Byzantine values and beliefs. A cultural touchstone, truly. Editor: It certainly gives you a lot to think about. I'm seeing beyond just the gold and starting to imagine the world it moved through.