Pentanummium of Justin I, Nicomedia 518 - 527

Curator: Here we have a Pentanummium of Justin I, struck in Nicomedia. It weighs just over two grams. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the weathered patina. It speaks of centuries buried, circulated, and perhaps even lost. Curator: Indeed. Note the prominent Christogram on the reverse. It's a powerful symbol, adopted by Justin I to connect his reign with divine legitimacy. Editor: The use of bronze is interesting. It's not gold or silver, but rather a common metal, which suggests its accessibility to a wider segment of the population. Curator: Absolutely. And consider the iconography—the depiction of Justin I himself. The way he's portrayed reinforces the continuity between earthly rule and celestial order. Editor: It's a fascinating object. Thinking about the labor to produce this, and its everyday use makes me wonder how many hands this passed through. Curator: Precisely! These symbols resonate even now, reminding us of how images and objects transmit power dynamics across time. Editor: Yes, it's a tangible link to an ancient world, transformed by its journey through the materiality of time.