Coin of Justin II c. 568 - 569

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin weighing 14.6 grams, attributed to Justin II. The worn texture and verdigris give it such an ancient feel. What stories do you think it whispers? Curator: Oh, the tales it could tell! I see power, of course—the stamp of an emperor. But also, I see trade, connection, the flow of daily life in the Byzantine Empire. The 'M' on one side represents 40 nummi, doesn't it? Imagine what you could buy with that. Editor: It's fascinating to think about. It shrinks history to something you can hold. Curator: Exactly! A tangible link. This coin isn't just metal; it's a portal. It’s a reminder that even empires fade, but their echoes remain, etched into the smallest of objects. Editor: I’ll definitely look at coins differently now. Thanks!