Coin of Justinian I c. 537 - 539

Editor: Here we have a coin of Justinian I. What strikes me most is the wear and tear, a testament to its history. What can you tell us about its context? Curator: Well, this coin isn’t just currency; it embodies power and ideology. Justinian's image, likely idealized, projects authority. How does seeing this object, designed to circulate widely, make you think about the impact of imperial messaging on the populace? Editor: It's interesting to think of it as propaganda. So, what did this coin mean for ordinary people living under Justinian's rule? Curator: It represented the omnipresence of the emperor, a constant reminder of his power and legitimacy. Its value, though monetary, was also symbolic, reinforcing social hierarchies and the state’s control. What does it mean to hold a piece of history like this, knowing its intended purpose was to shape perceptions? Editor: It's like holding a piece of political strategy. I'll never look at coins the same way again! Curator: Exactly. Art and power are inextricably linked, even in the smallest of objects.