Coin of Justinian I c. 540 - 541

Curator: Looking at this "Coin of Justinian I," I’m struck by its palpable sense of history, like holding a small, weighty piece of an empire in your hand. Editor: Absolutely. The coin’s condition reveals much about its journey through socio-political change, a testament to power dynamics and historical narratives. Curator: Exactly. Minted during Justinian's reign, the coin served not only as currency but also as propaganda, showcasing the emperor's image and authority to diverse populations. Editor: Considering the image of Justinian I here, what does his representation convey about the construction of imperial identity and the negotiation of power at the time? Curator: It reflects a Byzantine ideal, blending religious and imperial symbolism to project authority. The coin, in essence, visualizes ideology. Editor: I appreciate the coin as a tangible artifact that speaks to enduring questions of power, representation, and the intersection of art and society. Curator: It invites us to consider how historical symbols resonate differently across time, offering insight into our present. Editor: And to examine how it echoes within contemporary power structures. Thank you.