Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 593 - 594

This bronze coin, minted by Maurice Tiberius, features potent symbols of authority and faith. On one side, we see the emperor, his regal crown a clear statement of power in the Byzantine world. Turn the coin over, and the large 'M' dominates, flanked by crosses, asserting Christian endorsement of imperial rule. The cross, of course, has origins predating Christianity, but was adopted and transformed into the powerful symbol of faith, sacrifice, and redemption it is today. The Byzantine emperors strategically wielded this symbol to legitimize their power. Consider how the motif of the ruler, divinely sanctioned, appears throughout history—from the Pharaohs of Egypt to the emperors of Rome. This coin embodies a similar narrative, a psychological dance between ruler and ruled, faith and power. It's a story endlessly retold, each time with a new inflection, each time tapping into our deep-seated need for order and authority. Through this coin, we glimpse how symbols persist, evolve, and resonate across centuries.