Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 589 - 590

This is a coin made by Maurice Tiberius, its weight is around 12.48 g. Maurice Tiberius ruled the Byzantine Empire from 582 to 602 AD, a period marked by military campaigns and administrative reforms. This coin is not just a piece of currency; it's a carefully crafted emblem of imperial power. The coin offers a glimpse into the complex intersection of identity, power, and representation in the late Roman world. The portrait of Maurice Tiberius is not merely a likeness, but a declaration of his authority and legitimacy. It reflects how rulers sought to project an image of strength and stability in a world of constant political and military challenges. The coin's imagery participates in the construction of Byzantine identity, blending Roman imperial traditions with emerging Christian iconography. It speaks to the emotional investment people had in their leaders and the symbolic language through which power was communicated and maintained. Each coin was a small piece of propaganda, shaping perceptions and reinforcing the social order.