Coin of Justin II c. 565 - 578

Curator: Here we have a "Coin of Justin II," a small artifact, but it speaks volumes about the emperor's image and power in its time. Editor: It's remarkable how much authority can be projected from something so diminutive! The wear and tear speak to its journey through history. Curator: Precisely. Coins like this one, with Justin II's effigy, were carefully distributed to consolidate his power and influence across the Byzantine Empire. Editor: It prompts questions about who handled this coin, and what transactions or social interactions it facilitated. A tangible connection to lived experiences! Curator: Coins were tools of political messaging. The very act of circulating this image normalized Justin II's rule and presence, embedding his authority within everyday life. Editor: And whose image was deliberately excluded? Whose voices were silenced by this very act of currency exchange? Curator: Absolutely. Studying this coin offers insights into Byzantine economic policies and the socio-political dynamics of the era. Editor: It makes me wonder about the economic disparities it represents, and the power structures it upheld. Curator: It’s a fragment of history that invites us to rethink the narrative of power and the stories it overlooks. Editor: A poignant reminder of the complexities embedded even in the smallest historical objects.