Coin of Justinian II c. 687 - 692

Editor: This is a gold coin of Justinian II, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s so small, yet it feels incredibly weighty, like it holds untold stories. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, the weight you feel comes from understanding this coin as more than currency. It's a potent symbol of imperial authority and divine right. Consider how Justinian II, a controversial ruler, used his image on coinage. What statement was he trying to make? Editor: It seems like he wanted to appear powerful and legitimate, despite the political turmoil? Curator: Precisely. And beyond personal ambition, it reflects the complex interplay between religious belief, political power, and artistic representation in Byzantine society. It prompts questions about identity, representation, and the narratives we construct through art. Editor: That's a lot to think about for one small coin! I see now that it's less about the gold and more about what it represents. Curator: Exactly.