Coin of Justinian I c. 534 - 545

Editor: This golden coin, created under Justinian I, depicts the emperor on one side and a figure, probably an angel, on the other. It's hard to believe this small object once held so much power. What do you see when you look at it? Curator: I see a concentrated burst of symbolic intention. The coin transmits Justinian's authority through culturally understood visual cues. Consider the cross he holds; it signifies not just religious authority, but divine endorsement of his rule. What does that placement communicate to you? Editor: It suggests a fusion of political and religious power. Curator: Precisely. The imagery works to solidify Justinian's reign through shared belief. This wasn't just currency; it was a constant, portable reinforcement of his legitimacy. Editor: I never thought about how money could act as propaganda. Curator: Indeed. Symbols shape our perception, linking the tangible world to the abstract ideas that govern us.