Coin of Justin II? 565 - 578

Curator: This is thought to be a coin of Justin II, an artifact that transports us back to the Byzantine Empire. Looking at it, what strikes you? Editor: There's an immediate sense of austerity. The portrait and imagery are worn, giving it an almost ghostly presence. Curator: Indeed. Its presence provides a compelling look into the construction of imperial power through symbolic representation. The coin, although diminutive, served as a potent symbol of authority and ideology. Editor: Given the socio-political climate of Justin’s reign, the coin’s imagery likely played a crucial role in negotiating power and religious ideology. It underscores how even everyday objects can become sites of cultural meaning. Curator: Precisely. Examining it allows us to consider the public role of art and its significance in shaping collective memory. Editor: This coin opens a fascinating window into the intersection of power, religion, and material culture in the Byzantine world.