Coin of Justin II c. 569 - 570

Editor: This is a coin of Justin II from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s heavily worn, but I'm struck by the detail that remains. What can we learn from this object's materiality and condition? Curator: The wear and tear are integral. They speak to the coin's journey through material existence, its circulation within a specific economic system. Consider the labor involved in its production: the mining, the refining of metal, and the striking of the image. Editor: So, it's not just about the image of Justin II, but the social and economic context of its creation and use? Curator: Precisely. This coin isn’t merely a symbol of power; it's a product of material processes and social relations. How does understanding its production change our perception of its value? Editor: It becomes less about the individual and more about the collective effort and the flow of resources in Byzantine society. Fascinating. Curator: Indeed, by examining its materiality, we understand better the labor and networks that sustained the Byzantine Empire.