Coin of Justinian I c. 538 - 539

Curator: Here we have a coin of Justinian I, weighing in at 23.47 grams. It whispers tales of an era where empires rose and fell, and I find myself wondering about the hands it passed through. Editor: It’s incredibly weathered—almost ghostly. The figure on one side, presumably Justinian himself, seems to stare right through you with an air of imperial authority but looks worn, almost humbled, by time. What do you make of its symbolism? Curator: The symbols are pretty straightforward: power, faith, and the Byzantine state. But I think the real poetry is in the wear and tear, it's a testament to its journey. Editor: Absolutely, this isn’t just an economic object; it's a historical document, carrying centuries of social and political weight. It speaks to how societies construct power, and what it means to legitimize rule through representation and circulation. Curator: And maybe, just maybe, a reminder that even the grandest empires eventually fade, leaving behind only whispers on a worn-out coin. Editor: A poignant thought, indeed. It serves as a material reminder of how power and history are always mediated through objects and representation.