Coin of Tiberius II c. 580 - 581

Editor: This is a coin of Tiberius II. It's small, metallic, and features imagery on both sides. What can you tell us about this artifact, its function, and its place in history? Curator: Coins such as this one weren't just currency; they were potent propaganda tools. The imagery, likely of Tiberius himself and a symbol of power or religious significance, would have been carefully chosen to project authority and legitimacy. Consider the messages it conveys to the people who used it daily. Editor: So, it’s like a miniature billboard, spreading the emperor's message? Curator: Precisely. Coins like these played a crucial role in shaping public perception and reinforcing the social order of the time. The act of possessing this coin connects us to the flow of commerce and political narratives of the era. What do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered its role as propaganda. It makes me think about the power of images even in seemingly mundane objects. Curator: Indeed. And how museums like this one play a key role in shaping how we understand and value these artifacts today.