Coin of Justinian I c. 556 - 557

Editor: Here we have a coin of Justinian I, seemingly made of metal. It looks so worn. What can we learn from such a seemingly simple object? Curator: This isn't just a coin; it's a powerful artifact. Consider the image it carries – likely Justinian himself. Currency was a tool to disseminate power, imprinting the emperor's image and authority across the Byzantine world and beyond. How does this relate to modern state controlled currency? Editor: I hadn't considered its propaganda value. It's interesting how that power is concentrated on something so small and easily exchanged. Curator: Precisely. And think about the coin's journey. Each transaction, each hand it passed through, contributes to its story, reflecting the ebb and flow of the Byzantine empire's economy and influence. Editor: So, even in its damaged state, it speaks volumes about power and history. Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can carry immense cultural weight.