Coin of Justin II c. 565 - 578

Editor: Here we have a "Coin of Justin II," unsigned and undated, over at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, unassuming, but holds so much history. Looking at its worn surface, I'm curious about what stories it could tell. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, this little coin—it whispers of emperors and empires. Don't you think it's incredible that something so small could be a vessel of power, a symbol of authority for Justin II? Think of who held this, traded with it, or simply saw it as part of their everyday lives. Editor: So, it's less about the coin itself and more about what it represents? Curator: Precisely! Its very existence bridges us to a distant past, a tangible link to a world utterly different from our own. It's a reminder that art isn't always grand; sometimes, it's the quiet, unassuming objects that speak the loudest. Editor: That gives me a completely new perspective. I'll never look at small objects the same way. Curator: Wonderful! Isn't it fascinating how a simple coin can spark such profound reflections?