Decanummium of Maurice Tiberius, Constantinople 582 - 602

This small bronze coin, called a Decanummium, was minted in Constantinople during the reign of Maurice Tiberius. The process of making these coins was, I imagine, pretty hands-on, each one an individual act of creation. Looking at it now, you can see the wear and tear, the way the metal has aged and changed color. This isn't just an object; it's a little sculpture, with a tactile quality that speaks of its history. The symbols and markings aren't just abstract designs; they're traces of a specific time and place. It's like a fingerprint, unique and full of character. It makes me think about the work of Cy Twombly, who was also interested in ancient history and mark-making. Twombly would have loved the energy and gesture of this little coin. In the end, it's not about whether the coin is "good" or "bad," it's about what it makes you feel, what thoughts and associations it sparks in your mind.